27 



water, insufficient light, are accessory causes to this disease, and 

 should be classed with heredity and improper ventilation. 



They all predispose to infection and propagation of tuberculosis 

 by lowering the natural resistant forces of the body, which tend 

 to prevent the growth and action of the bacillus. And while all 

 are important factors in relation to its production in a herd, they 

 cannot possibly, though all be brought to bear at once upon the 

 animal organism, produce the disease. 



Tuberculosis cannot be produced in man or animal unless the 

 Bacillus tuberculosis be present. 



In the early stages of the disease in cattle the symptoms are not 

 well marked and it is difficult, by an ordinary physical examina- 

 tion, to diagnose from other affections. The symptoms vary with 

 the location and development of the tubercles. In some instances 

 the disease runs an acute course and proves fatal in a few months. 

 In others it tends to become chronic and runs a slow course, the 

 animal showing no well-marked symptoms for a long time. 



With a history of the existence of the trouble in a herd, a cough, 

 slight at first, increasing in frequency and severity, together with 

 general untbriftiuess, a rough, staring, dry, lustreless coat, sunken 

 eyes, etc., should excite suspicion and warrant isolation of the 

 animal. 



Chronic and intermittent bloating may be the prominent symp- 

 tom and usually develops when the glands at the root of the 

 luuo;s are diseased and enlarged. 



Intestinal tuberculosis frequently produces diarrha'a alternating 

 with constipation. With affection of the ovaries in the female 

 constant heat or rut exists. 



In tuberculous mammitis the udder, in whole or in part, becomes 

 inflamed and enlarged, but is not particularly painful and rarely 

 subsides with treatment. A peculiar kernel-like condition usually 

 exists by which it is possible to diagnose the presence of tuber- 

 cles. The flow of milk from the affected part is not lessened in 

 the first stages of the trouble, but later it becomes scanty and poor 

 in quality. 



In some animals the progress of the disease appears to be 

 arrested and they apparently recover, but usually it is uniformly 

 downward toward a fatal ending. Sanitary surroundings exert a 

 great influence in its progression or retardation. 



It is incurable and nothing should be done in this connection, as 

 a tuberculous animal is a source of danger to those about or to 

 those using the milk. In unmistakable cases they should be 

 slaughtered at once and the carcasses be disposed of by deep 

 burial, by burning or bv rendering, 



JAS. B. PAIGE, 



Veterinaria7i. 



