Anatomical Changes. (^5-[ 



may be seen wliitisli-gray spots penetrating to a certain extent 

 below the surface of the mucous membrane; when subjected 

 to pressure these will discharge greenish-yellow masses of plant 

 food imbedded in a tough enveloping substance. The borders 

 of these spots are surrounded by yellowish-gra.y, firm nodules 

 which contain a cheesy or pus-like mass in winch are found 

 gray or brownish actinomyces colonies as large as grains of 

 sand. In addition to this, fistulous canals may occasionally 

 penetrate the substance of the tongue. These canals are sur- 

 rounded by a firm connective tissue Avail from which hairs and 

 small nodules project, the latter being filled with decomposing 

 food particles mixed with a cheesy, fatty mass emitting a 

 highly disagreeable odor (Breuer). 



A-ccording to Breuer 's statistics this form of actinomycosis of the tongue 

 occurs in over 20 to 25% of all cattle one year of age, or more, and in the great 

 majority of Hungarian draft oxen slaughtered in the abattoirs of Budapest. On 

 the other hand Nieolaus found in Silesia (Glogau) 88.5% of affected cattle to 

 be under 4 years of age and only 19.5% above 5 years. This difference is possibly 

 due to the fact that Hungarian draft oxen are usually not stable fed until after 

 they are 4 years of age. 



In some cases nodules and tumors are found, varying 

 in size from a millet seed to that of a hazelnut, scattered 

 throughout the mucous membrane and in the muscle substance 

 of the tongue, especially the lateral portions of this organ. 

 These tumors may be visible as prominences under the nmcous 



Fig. 103. Actiiiumycosis of the Tongue with Pyramidal Tumors on the Surface. 



membrane of the tongue or project in the form of a fungoid 

 mass through the opening in the mucous membrane, with 

 characteristic, sharply defined borders resembling holes made 

 by a punch (Johne; Fig. 103). 



In a more advanced stage of the disease the interstitial 

 connective tissue of the tongue is much proliferated and usually 

 contains numerous nodes that have undergone softening while 

 the consistency of the organ Avhich is much enlarged is very 

 firm and almost wood-like, hence the name '' woody tongue." 

 The upper surface of the tongue may contain cicatricial con- 



