TAKOSIS: A CONTAGIOUS DISEASE OF GOATS. 4lS 



become weaker and more debilitated, finally dying in a comatose condi- 

 tion. In no instance has the natural recovery of an animal after once 

 the symptoms of takosis were noticed been observed or heard of. 



The younger goats seem to be the most susceptible to the disease, 

 although the old animals are by no means immune. 



Pathological Anatomy. As already indicated, the general appearance 

 of the carcase simulates that produced by a wasting disease. The visible 

 mucous membranes are pale and anaemic, while the fleece, which appears 

 somewhat dry and lustreless, furnishes a shroud for the extremely 

 emaciated condition, that becomes plainly perceptible on skinning. The 

 same anaemic condition of the subcutaneous and muscular tissues is 

 observed on eviscerating the carcases. The lungs in most cases are the 

 seat of a peculiar diversified inflammation, never of a remarkable extent. 

 The external appearance of these organs is at times mottled, caused by 

 a few congested areas, several patches of an iron-grey colour similar to 

 areas of pneumonia during the process of absorption, and normal tissue. 

 On section through the reddened patches, a frothy mucus may exude 

 from the bronchioles, and in one case numerous punctiform haemorrhages 

 were observed on the sides of the incision. This tissue, while not so 

 buoyant as a normal portion would be, nevertheless floats when placed 

 in water. 



The heart in all cases is pale and dull, its tissue soft and flabby, 

 while inflamed areas, more or less penetrating, are present at times on 

 the epicardium about the auricular appendages, and at other times on 

 the endocardium, especially that lining the ventricles. These haemor- 

 rhagic patches consist of either pure extravasated blood or blood mixed 

 with serum, which gives them a more diffuse appearance and^a gela- 

 tinous consistence. The pericardium is slightly thickened, and usually 

 contains a small increase of fluid tinged with blood. The liver usually 

 appears normal, although the gall bladder is frequently distended with 

 pale-yellow watery bile. The kidneys are anaemic and softened. The 

 cortex appears slightly thicker and paler than normal, and contrasts 

 strongly with the darker i^yramids. The capsule strips off easily from 

 the parenchyma of the organ. In one instance several pale areas simu- 

 lating anaemic infarcts were observed under the capsule extending into 

 the cortex, which probably resulted from the compression of the capillaries 

 by the swollen parenchymatous cells. The presence of albumin in the 

 urine was detected by the nitric-acid test. The spleen appears atrophied 

 and indurated, and on section the fibrous tissue far exceeds the splenic 

 pulp. Attachments by fibrous adhesions may fix the spleen to the 

 diaphragm or the neighbouring organs. The intestines may contain 

 normal faecal matter or semi-fluid faeces of a disagreeable odour. The 

 surface of the mucous membrane is at times covered with a slimy 



