226 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



The disease is contagious, very rapid in its course, and 

 is caused by the vegetable organism bacillus anthracis. It 

 is both enzootic and epizootic, occurring whenever and 

 wherever conditions favor the growth of the germs, one 

 of which is rainy weather followed by heat. 



Fig. 97. Gloss-Anthrax or Blain, early stage. 



Symptoms. — Stops feeding and chewing cud suddenly; 

 shivers; moves stiffly and unsteadily; limbs rigid; soon 

 falls and is unable to move ; may, however, stand for a 

 while, back curved. The spleen is usually especially af- 

 fected, but sometimes it is the bowels ; severe convulsions 

 are not uncommon ; tenacious mucus flows from mouth ; 

 tongue becomes of a darker hue ; belly distended ; passes 

 liquid and blood-stained excreta and sometimes a large 

 quantity of dark blood ; blood sometimes flows from nos- 

 trils ; white of eyes become dark red ; eyes sink in orbit ; 

 tears flow over face, &c. 



Death may follow in a few minutes, hours, or a day. 

 Recovery is rare. 



Remedy. — Sulphite sodium, 3 drams, salicylate sodium, 

 3 drams, tincture aconite (B. P.), 40 drops, water a suf- 

 ficient quantity, every 4 hours. 



Liquified carbolic acid, 30 drops, gentian, 2 oz., ani- 

 seed, 2 oz., in pint of water every 4 hours. 



