SPLENIC APOPLEXY. 437 



SPLENIC APOPLEXY. 



Splenic apoplexy in cattle comes under the head of 

 anthrax. It is one of the most interesting to the veterin- 

 arian, as well as one of the most common and fatal diseases 

 to which cattle are subject. It consists of an enlarged 

 condition of the spleen in consequence of the influx of a 

 large amount of blood, which, entering the gland, interferes 

 with its functions. It is due to the presence, in a large 

 majority of cases, of minute organisms, or bacteria, in the 

 blood, yet the presence of the bacteria cannot be demon- 

 strated in every case of splenic apoplexy. In such cases it 

 is most probably due to irregular feeding, or feeding on 

 inferior or damaged food, and causing the animal to drink 

 impure or polluted water, sewage, etc. It is essentially a 

 blood disease — the Vcirious constituents of the blood being 

 altered, both as regards quantity and quality, and the blood 

 as a whole undergoing a most remarkable change in appear- 

 ance. The disease is characterized by its sudden attack, 

 short duration and usually' fatal termination, and its com- 

 municability by inoculation. 



Symj/toms. — The symptoms are, as a rule, suddenly 

 developed, and very alarming in character. An animal 

 may be left at night in apparently a state of perfect health, 

 and found the next morning dead. In some cases the dis- 

 ease comes on more gradually ; the temperature becomes 

 elevated, but such a symptom would never be observed 

 unless in connection with something else. The ox suddenly 

 refuses his food, and ceases to ruminate. There may be a 

 well-marked chill. The animal shows more or less uneasi- 

 ness, which increases. Perspiration breaks out in patches 

 over the body. The urine is scanty and of a very high 

 colour. The pulse is very rapid and weak. Great debility 

 quickly supervenes — the patient now beginning to stagger 



