294 



INFECTIOUS DISEASES 



ment of and infection of the tissues with the above germs. 

 Wound infection is most connnon during hot weather. 



The symptoms are both general and local. The tissues in 

 the region of the wound become swollen and painful. In malig- 

 nant a'dema the swelling pits on pressure, and if the wound is 

 open, the surface becomes soft and may slough. The body 

 temperature may be several degrees above the normal, the appe- 

 tite is impaired or the animal stops eating and acts sleepy. A 

 small amount of highly-colored urine may be passed. Ner,'ous 

 symptoms, such as muscular twitching, excited condition, de- 

 lirium and paralysis, may be noted. 



FlQ. 99. — Bacillus of malignant 

 cedema, showing spores. 



Fia. 100. — Bacillus of malignant 

 oedema. 



The -prognosis is unfavorahle. In pysrmia the animal may 

 live from a few days to several months. Septicemia usually 

 terminates fatally in from t\vo to ten days. 



The treatment is largely preventive. Wounds should be 

 given prompt attention. They should be freed from all foreign 

 substances and washed with a disinfecting solution. A contused- 

 lacerated wound should not be sutured if this interferes with the 

 cleansing of it, and the escape of the wound secretions. All 

 punctured wounds should be enlarged so as to permit of treat- 

 ment and drainage. 



Hemorrhagic Septicemia. — An acute infectious disease of 

 ruminants and swine, characterized by hemorrhages in the dif- 

 ferent body tissues that appear as small red spots or blotches. 



