704 INFECTIOUS DISEASES. 



which, however, it is readily distinguished by microscopic examina- 

 tion of the contents of the swellings. 



ACUTE TUBERCULOSIS TUBERCULOUS SEPTICEMIA. 



However rapidly the above-described forms of tuberculosis may 

 develop, the disease as a whole is always of long duration, and con- 

 tinues for months, or even for years. The development of these 

 chronic forms may, however, be interrupted by various influences 

 which cause it to assume an acute character, either for a time or 

 continuously. Each intermittent attack aggravates the condition of 



Fig. 282. — General appearance of a case of cutaneous tuberculosis. 



the patient, but gradually subsides, with or without treatment. Con- 

 tinued attacks, however, rapidly lead to death ; they may be seen in 

 animals previously unsuspected of any grave disorder. 



The dominant symptom is continuous fever, accompanied by signs 

 of disturbance of any or all of the chief bodily functions. 



The temperature rises to 102° Fahr. (39° C), or even to 104° or 

 105° Fahr. (40° or 41" C), with morning and evening remissions of 

 some hours. The respiration is accelerated. On auscultation it is 

 often difficult to discover signs of chronic tuberculosis. The lung is 

 the site of repeated congestive changes, resembling those of broncho- 

 pneumonia or contagious pleuro-pneumonia. The pleura and walls of 

 the chest become extremely sensitive, as in the last-named disease, 

 and the abdomen may exhibit signs of peritonism, as at the begin- 

 ning of acute peritonitis. The pulse rises to 80, 90, 100, or even 



