STRANGLES OF THE HORSE 



39 



the bacillus of glanders in bouillon, to which 5 per cent of glycerine has 

 been added. The vessels containing the cultivation are kept from three to 

 six weeks at a temperature of 100 Fahr. The cultures are then sterilized 

 by steam, and afterwards filtered through unglazed earthenware to separate 

 the dead bacilli. A 

 clear sherry-coloured 

 liquid is obtained, 

 perfectly free from 



organisms. 



Fig. 215. Mallein Synnge 



It has been proved 

 by numerous experi- 

 ments in this country 

 and on the Conti- 

 nent that the injection (fig. 214) of the fluid mallein under the skin 

 of the neck of a horse produces characteristic reaction, even in cases in 

 which after death only a single glanderous nodule r has been found in the 

 lungs. The test has been also applied to healthy horses and to horses 

 affected with bronchial catarrh, pleurisy, strangles, and nasal gleet, but 

 in no instance has the complete characteristic reaction been observed. It 

 may, therefore, be considered that the mallein test is perfectly reliable, 

 even in cases in which the disease was in the early stage. 



STRANGLES OF THE HORSE 



Strangles, or pyrogenic fever, or external scrofula, are names given to 

 this catarrhal disease, which is so very common among young horses. On 

 the question of the infectious nature of the disorder opinions differ very 

 materially. Dr. Twill, in his recent work on the pathology of the domestic 

 animals, describes strangles as an acute infectious disease. Robertson 

 defines it as a specific febrile disease of the horse probably under certain 

 conditions contagious. Williams states in definite terms his opinion that 

 the disease is not contagious, but he admits, nevertheless, that it is better 

 to take precautions against its diffusion by separating the diseased horse 

 from healthy ones. 



In the popular view the disease is the result of some peculiar condition 

 of the system, which leads to the external manifestations characteristic of 

 strangles, in the course of which the morbid matter is discharged from the 

 system, and the animal is supposed to be so much the better for its 

 removal. 



In favour of the contagion theory there are the facts derived from 

 experimental enquiry commenced a hundred years back. In these investi- 



