CHAPTER V. 

 DISEASES OF THE BLOOD, 



SEPTICEMIA OF NEW'BORN ANIMALS. 



The above title is given to that exceedingly fatal disease commonly 

 known as ^' white scour," etc., the mortality in which often rises to 

 95 per cent. 



The disease was studied by Poels in Holland in 1889, Dele in 

 Belgium in 1891, Perroncito in Italy, Galtier in the centre of France 

 in 1891 — 92, and quite recently by Nocard in Ireland in 1901. 



It occurs throughout all the breeding districts of France, and in some 

 parts causes enormous losses, the mortality comprising two- thirds or 

 even three-fonrths of all new-born calves. In certain breeding estab- 

 lishments in Normandy all the new-born animals without exception 

 die unless special precautions are adopted. 



In foals, septicaemia of the new-born is very rare, because horse- 

 breeding establishments are. much better cared for, and breeding mares 

 are segregated. In byres, on the other hand, the greatest promiscuity 

 exists. The disease is equally uncommon in lambs, although it makes 

 numerous victims in folds which have once been attacked. It is, how- 

 ever, quite common in young pigs. 



Symptoms. The development, and course of the disease are in 

 certain respects characteristic. 



The disease usually appears within two or three days after birth, and 

 only in rare cases after the second week. Calves which at birth appeared 

 vigorous and in good health are found dull on the second day ; after the 

 second or third meal they suffer from diarrhoea, and from that time 

 refuse all nourishment, lie down as though exhausted, and sometimes 

 die very rapidly. 



Some even perish in ten to twelve hours without showing diarrhoea ; 

 although apparently well at night, they are found dead or dying the next 

 morning. This is the peracute form. 



Most frequently the young creatures suffer for two or three days, 

 sometimes a week. Appetite is partly preserved; at first the diar- 

 rhoea resembles that due to inability to digest milk, but the faeces soon 



