244 THE DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF THE OX. 



of the lower lip, is studded with light violet patches. The pulse 

 is quick aod small, the beats of the heart itself are of a tumul- 

 tuous nature, the temperature of the body in places uncovered 

 by wool is lower than in health. The sheep may either be con- 

 stipated or suffer from diarrhoea, and symptoms of abdominal 

 pain may be manifested. 



With the view of deciding if a sheep is suffering from anthrax 

 fever, Eeynal advises that the animal's nostrils should be closed 

 with the fingers for a few seconds. By this means micturition is 

 brought about, and the urine will then be found to be blood- 

 coloured if the animal is suffering from anthrax. Urine may be 

 easily obtained by means of gentle compression over the region 

 of the bladder. 



As the disease progresses, the sheep trembles, cannot stand, 

 gives out a profuse discharge of tears, and also a flow of blood 

 from the nose, loses power of vision, and dropsical swellings 

 may appear on the neck, lower jaw, breast, and flank. Signs 

 of putrefaction may be seen, convulsions appear, and soon after- 

 wards the sheep dies. Death may occur in from one to four 

 hours — it supervenes most quickly in warm weather ; but 

 occasionally the course of the disease is more prolonged. 



After death, as also during life, the germs and their spores may 

 with the microscope be found in abundance in the blood and 

 tissues. If a jpost-mortem examination is made, the spleen is 

 found to be greatly congested and enormously enlarged, as also 

 is the liver, and the lining membrane of the intestinal canal is 

 congested in some degree. The whole of the animal's skin is 

 puffed out by fetid gas, in consequence of the decomposition 

 going on in the underlying structures. The muscles are of a 

 blackish hue, and petechial spots are noticeable in the serous 

 membranes. The mucous membrane of the intestinal canal is 

 congested, being coated and infiltrated with blood, which, 

 indeed, is also mingled with the contents of the canal. About 

 the nose a frothy mucus tinged with blood is seen. If the skin 

 is separated, there is a very offensive smell, the blood-vessels 

 are full of black blood, and frequently the superficial structures 

 are stained yellowish-red. If the belly is cut, a little straw- 

 coloured or reddish fluid often escapes, the paunch is distended 

 with gas and congested, the third stomach is usually full of 

 solid food, and extravasations of blood are to be observed 



