116 Buffalo Disease. 



Plot observed an affection of the lungs in Egypt which re- 

 sembled pleural pneumonia, the lesions resembling those of 

 hemorrhagic septicemia of cattle (see page 107). Sohns has 

 also observed a pectoral form of the disease. 



Symptoms. The time of incubation after artificial infec- 

 tion is usually only 12 hours, and under natural conditions it 

 very probably extends only from one to two days. 



The disease commences wdth a rapid rise of the body 

 temperature to 41-42 °C. The affected animal stands indifferent 

 with extended neck and closed eyes. From the corners of the 

 mouth foamy saliva drips in long strings. In the meantime 

 the swelling of the throat region develops, becomes hot, painful, 

 first of a doughy, later of a denser consistency. It does not 

 crepitate on touch. During the development of the swelling 

 the animals manifest a short and painful cough ; soon the swell- 

 ing extends over the cheeks, also over the parotid region and 

 backwards along the neck to the breast, and even over the 

 region of the shoulder. The conjunctivae of the eyes as well 

 as the mucous membrane of the nose and of the mouth is bright 

 red in color, and at the same time hot and dry. There is 

 lachrymation from the eyes and a yellowish mucous secretion 

 is discharged from the nose. On opening the mouth the tongue 

 appears usually normal, only the surrounding of the frenum 

 of the tongue shows a serous infiltration and swelling. In some 

 cases, however, the tongue may swell considerably so that it is 

 dark brownish-red, and its tip protrudes from the mouth to 

 the length of several centimeters. 



With the increase of the swelling, respiration becomes 

 more difficult, accelerated and later rattling. The action of the 

 accessory respiratory muscles is greatly increased, the nasal 

 openings are widely distended. The long inspiration is fol- 

 lowed by a short, jerky expiration accompanied by painful 

 grunting. 



The appetite is suppressed from the onset of the disease 

 or may be capricious. Rumination ceases. There is first con- 

 stipation while towards the termination of the disease diarrhea 

 may set in when the feces are thin, fetid and mixed with dirty 

 red mucus. The animals look from time to time towards the 

 abdomen, otherwise they hardly move from the place and can- 

 not be urged to walk. In case there is a water pool near by 

 the animals like to lie down in it. The vulva and the surround- 

 ing parts of the rectum are often swollen during the later 

 course of the disease. Pregnant cows frequently abort. 



With the rapid progress of the symptoms the animals, 

 shortly before death, grunt painfully, and the rattling respira- 

 tion may be heard at a distance from 30 to 40 steps, they grind 

 their teeth or bellow loudly. Finally the animal suddenly rises 

 from the ground, takes several staggering steps, suddenly col- 



