Diseases of Catti^e. 103 



PLAGUE— CONTAGIOUS TYPHUS- 

 RINDERPEST. 



This disease consists in inflammation of the white mem- 

 brane of the nose, wind-pipe, and chest. The membranes be- 

 come deteriorated, portions become detached, and decay, 

 forming- a dangerous poison which is absorbed into the cir- 

 culation, producing fermentation of the bipod, resulting in 

 boils, or small carbuncles which soon discharge pus. This 

 disease if not given prompt treatment, gradually progresses 

 until the blood and tissues of the body are no longer fit for 

 the purpose of life ; and the animal becomes exhausted, and 

 dies in from a few days to one, two and three weeks from 

 the time of the attack. 



CAUSES :— The exciting causes are the conditions of 

 the earth and atmosphere, as heat and moisture, cold and 

 dryness ; contagion. The predisposing cause is, general de- 

 bility or a low standard of general health. (See General De- 

 bility). 



SYMPTOMS -.—Arched back, weeping eye and nostril, 

 followed by huskv cough, with dullness and prostration. 

 A.ppetite and chewing of cud irregular. If the animal is 

 attacked with rigor and chills, it is an evidence that blood- 

 poison has set in. The breathing soon becomes difficult, the 

 skin and hair have an unhealthy appearance, and high fever 

 is present. Eruptions and sores appear in the mouth and 

 nose, and sometimes extend to the feet. After the appear- 

 ance of these eruptions, the discharge from the eyes and 

 nose will consist of pus streaked with blood. When saliva- 

 tion and diarrhoea make their appearance, accompanied by 

 stupor, death is ?ipproaching. Debilitated animals and cows 

 heavy with calf, will die much sooner from this disease than 

 r.nimals in good condition. 



