Muscle Degeneration. gir 



The basis of these disturbances is probably a myositis caused bv 

 overexertion or rupture of muscle fibers, although Wilhelm considers 

 that there is a general disease of the motor nervous apparatus, and at 

 the same time an inflammatory condition of the muscular tissue 



The treatment consists in complete rest, rubbing, massage and 

 stimulating applications. ' 



Literature. Kirillow, Yet. Jhb., 1891, 126.— Wilhelm, S. B. 1897 127. 



A muscular inflammation after over-exertion ocoins comparatively frequently 

 m cattle, and develops m the form of a serous iuflammation, especially in the mus- 

 cular tissue of the shoulder girdle (Marek). Pregnant cows and oxen which are 

 stabled continuously are especially subject to it after long drives on foot. It does not 

 appear to be a smiple relaxation of tired muscle as Giovanoli claims; the affected 

 muscles as well as the intermuscular connective tissue appear to be very much infil- 

 trated with serum. The affected animals remain recumbent for 4 to 10 days or 

 longer, are unable to rise on their fore feet, and if by chance they succeed in doing 

 so there IS a sinking of the vertebra; between the shoulder blades. Generally the com- 

 plaint disappears of itself, but occasionally it necessitates slaughter. (Giovanoli 

 Schw. A., 1909, LI, 116.— Marek, Vet. 1895, 308.) ^mo^anoii, 



Muscle Degeneration. A pronounced parenchymatous and fatty 

 degeneration of muscles arises in the course of paralytic hemoglobine- 

 mia (see Vol. I). Besides cases have been recorded (Frohner, Bartke 

 Leipziger, Cadeac and others) where the muscle degeneration in horses 

 manifested itself after throwing, if the animals had struggled violently 

 Ihe degeneration occurs in those muscles which come into play in the 

 straining movements against the shackles, that is, the muscles of the 

 loms and the croup, the anconei and the extensors of the stifle. 



This kind of muscle degeneration arises to all appearance in the 

 same way as m paralytic hemoglobinemia, but there is usually no elimi- 

 nation of hemoglobin through the kidneys, although this symptom has 

 ao times been noted (Leipziger). Morel & Vieillard also referred the 

 fatty degeneration as well as atrophy in the muscular tissue which is 

 frequently found in horses after being slaughtered, to previous attacks 

 ot paralytic hemoglobinemia. But it is not impossible that the de- 

 generation of muscle may be combined with an inflammation caused 

 by overexertion as occurred in cases of Frohner and Cadeac. 



Literature. Frohner, Monh., 1897, VIII, 499; 1898, IX, 489- 189Q X 354 — 

 Leipziger, Z. f. Vk., 1900, 389.— Poulsen, Maanedsskr., 1897, IX, 305. ^' 



Fatty Degeneration of the Muscles in Sucklings. In fine-bred 

 pigs and lambs, much less often in foals and calves, the muscular 

 tissue of the whole body undergoes a high degree of fatty degeneration 

 m consequence of anemia ; the cause of this degeneration is as yet un- 

 known (hereditary predisposition, too close breeding, excessively high 

 fat contents of the milk). The muscles appear glistening like 'bacon, 

 or as if cooked, and a fatty degeneration of the parenchymatous organs 

 and the lymphatic glands may be recognized. The animals are born 

 diseased (Furstenberg, Roloff, Repiquet) or the degeneration mav be 

 seen a few weeks after birth. 



The sick animals cease to suck, they are weak, scarcely move about 

 at all he on the ground almost uninterruptedly (little pigs do not 

 squeal) and die quietly or after the onset of diarrhea, and perhaps in 

 convulsions. 



