272 



THE DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF THE OX. 



The fungus found in the tumours of cattle forms globular 

 tufts, from '11 millimetres in diameter. The majority of the 

 tufts are aggregated in mulberry-shaped masses of from '5 to 

 1 millimetre in diameter, and appear to the unaided eye as 

 very minute dull-white granules. Of the appearance of the 

 fungus under the microscope, it is our intention to give a 

 representation below. The tufts themselves are not uncommonly 

 calcareous. 



There are several reasons why we lay great stress on the 

 importance of acquiring a clear knowledge of actinomycosis.. 



The above picture represents the appearance of a section cut through a- 

 small part of the tongue of a cow which died of Actinomycosis. 



A nodule is shown composed of round cells. In the centre is situated the 

 clump of actinomyces, surrounded by large transparent cells. Magnifying 

 power, 350. (Klein.) 



In the first place, it is much commoner than is generally known,, 

 and it seems to be on the increase. Secondly, very few agri- 

 culturists have become acquainted with its nature as yet, and, as 

 a rule, they do not isolate infected animals. Lastly, and chiefly, 

 it has been stated, and, indeed, has been emphatically held, that 

 actinomycosis is an incurable disease. So far from this being 

 the case, we can definitely affirm that almost every case is 

 curable when treated in the early stages, and very many are 

 curable even in the late stages, when the fungus has not spread 

 very widely. During the present year (1887) we have had 

 seven cases under treatment, and six of them have made a good 



