CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES. 79 



the genital organs, associated with ulceration, and followed by 

 paralysis. 



What is the cause ? 



The cause is not well understood. It is a disease seen after 

 copulation, and the vehicles of contagion are in the urethra of the 

 male and the vagina of the female. 



This disease was first noticed in 1796, and has since been seen 

 in Poland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, England, Belgium, and 

 was imported into this country in 1880. 



How long is the period of incubation ? 



It varies from one to six or eight weeTcs. 



What are the symptoms seen in the female ? 



A few weeks after copulation a discharge from the vidva is 

 noticed; it is clear at first, but soon becomes opaque, yellowish in 

 color, and sometimes ichorous. 



The genital organs become swollen, the mucous membrane 

 thrown in folds and covered with a gelatinous-like fluid; red spots 

 or erosions on the mucous membrane may also be present. 



The inflamed condition of the clitoris causes the mare to stretch 

 herself and eject small quantities of urine at varying intervals; 

 the lips of the vulva open, the erect clitoris is shown, and there is 

 switching of the tail. 



On the body and legs are indolent swellings the size of a fifty- 

 cent piece; these may disappear and reappear in other places. These 

 swellings are said to be caused by an infiltration into the papillary 

 layer of the derma. 



The most serious symptom is the paralysis of the posterior ex- 

 tremities; the animals drag their toes, rock their bodies, and cross 

 their legs somewhat similar to cases of spinal meningitis or influ- 

 enza. This paralysis is apt to be progressive, causing a dropping 

 of the ears, paralysis of the facial muscles, of the lips, eyelids, etc.; 

 soon they go down, are unable to get up, get bed-sores, and die from 

 emaciation, paralysis, or are destroyed. 



Describe other symptoms seen in stallions. 



They are more difficult to notice in the male. The discharge 

 is usually less in quantity. There is swelling of the meatus, red 

 spots or erosions over the sheath, which are often difficult to discern. 



