UDDER-ACTINOMYCOSIS 1 15 



fast rods which greatly simulate tubercle bacilli and which 

 may also become confused with them. 



The PROGNOSIS is unfavorable for the udder. The con- 

 dition continues to a progressive destruction of the udder. 



Treatment. — Prophylaxis is the most important. All 

 open cases of actinomycosis of the jaw, tongue or udder 

 spread the infectious organisms and in this way encourage 

 the possibility of actinomyces infection and thus udder- 

 actinomycosis. Slaughter of all animals showing open 

 actinomycotic lesions is the safest measure to adopt in pre- 

 vention of such an infection. If the owner will not consent 

 to this the animals are isolated as strictly as possible and 

 so treated as to disinfect the diseased products bearing the 

 infectious organisms. 



Actual Treatment. — One should endeavor to induce 

 sclerosis and atrophy of the infected part of the udder 

 wherever possible, which prevents progressive destruction 

 and encourages healing. 



The cow remains and the entire infected quarter is 

 deeply point-fired with a cautery iron, which promotes 

 sclerosis and contraction to a high degree. 



The treatment is completed by administering 8 to 12 

 g. of potassium iodide per os daily for from three weeks 

 to a month, a course which is always indicated in actino- 

 mycosis. 



Summary 



1. Infectious organism: actinomyces bovis. 

 Characteristics. 

 Occurrence. 

 Morphology. 



Filamentous form. 



Club form. 



Colonies. 

 Staining. 

 (Cultivation and pathogenicity.) 



