CONSUMPTION". 91 



CONSUMPTION (Tuberculosis, Scrofula, Phthisis), 



Is a specific disease, resulting from the introduction into 

 the body of the ' tubercle bacillus/ This mite develops 

 irritation and inflammation, either directly or by the for- 

 mation of poisonous alkaloids, produced by its action on 

 the tissues. Hard growths appear, consisting of one or 

 more of three descriptions of cell — lymphoid, epitheliod, 

 and giant. They exhibit a tendency to necrosis, followed 

 by caseation (curd or cheese), and occasionally by fibroid 

 degeneration. The disease may be localized in various 

 organs and tissues. It occurs in all animals, and is com- 

 municable from one species of animal to another. Cattle, 

 poultry, and hogs are more subject to its several forms 

 than horses, dogs, or sheep. (Dun.) Rare. 



Symptoms. — First stage: Out of condition; rough 

 coat : hide bound perhaps ; faulty or weak at work ; sweats 

 on slight exertion ; coughs occasionally after drinking or 

 when first brought out of stable ; short-winded. Duration 

 uncertain; weeks, months, and in rare cases years. 



Second stage : Case develops itself more or less ; respi- 

 ration probably slightly disturbed; if not perceptible at 

 the flanks or nostrils, apply the ear to the breast or side ; 

 by the latter means or by the hand tenderness about the 

 sides may also be discovered ; pulse quicker than natural ; 

 short, dry cough now and then ; appetite fastidious and 

 changeable, now good, now indifferent; never quite lost; 

 spirits same as appetite ; sparing issue of yellow matter 

 from nose ; flesh lost daily ; hip bones begin to project ; 

 quarters lose plumpness ; skin becoming tense and adher- 

 ent to sides. 



Third stage : Increased disturbance of respiration ; the 

 breath, mouth, and discharge from nose fetid ; highly 

 quickened pulse; troublesome cough, with occasional 

 coughing up of expectorated matters through the nose 

 and mouth ; emaciation and debility ; partial separation 



