XL. 

 ENZOOTIC AND EPIZOOTIC DISEASES OF THE OX. 



MALIGNANT CATARRHAL FEVER. 



This disease is due to a specific virus which affects the mucous 

 membrane lining the sinuses of the head and nasal chambers. 



Symptoms. — Rigors, dullness, and debility. The mucous mem- 

 brane becomes of a bluish-red color, the eyes are closed, the eye- 

 lids swollen, with flowing of tears over the cheeks. The animal 

 coughs incessantly, the pulse is feeble, and the bowels are very 

 loose. In the course of a few hours after the onset of the dis- 

 ease, a profuse discharge issues from the nostrils, mouth, and 

 eyes. The sinuses of the head become filled with matter, and in 

 some instances the horns fall off. 



Treatment. — The disease is very fatal, and causes death in 

 from three to seven days. If the animal lives over seven days a 

 cure may be expected. The patient should be placed in a warm 

 shed. Enemas should be given to relieve constipation. Two 

 ounces of sweet spirits of nitre should 'be given every four hours, 

 diluted in a pint of water. The animal should be made to inhale 

 hot steam. 



( 455 ) 



