20 



black hue, and is often lacerated by the teeth. The animal has great 

 difficulty in swallowing. Blebs or vesicles form on the sides and surface of 

 the tongue, and the animal often dies in from twelve to twenty-four hours 

 after their appearance. When they burst, after increasing in size, they 

 discharge an acrid fluid, and leave an unhealthy ulcerated surface. 



In the second form, which seldom occurs alone, the tissues round the 

 throat become much swollen, and involve the structures of the head, the 

 breathing becomes difficult, and death results from suffocation. 



We w^ill now review the general methods of prevention, and treatment 

 of the forms of anthrax in the horse, but may first show our readers the 

 appearance of an anthrax pustule in a man who had been inoculated 

 through handling infected bales of wool imported from China. This case 

 was treated by excision, or removal of the tumour, and the internal 

 administration of sodium sulphite, recommended by the writers. It 

 terminated in complete recovery. {British Medical Journal, June 14, 1884.} 



Anthrax Pustules in Man. 



One of the main causes of the diminution of the number of outbreaks of 

 anthrax among catttle and horses in this country is the thorough drainage of 

 many of the formerly infected areas. 



In all outbreaks we should carefully inquire into the food and water 

 supply, and take special care to see whether there is any escape of effete 

 matter into the wells or ponds. Ascertain if the food be mouldy or 

 fermenting, as mouldy grains have been shown to be the exciting cause in 

 several instances. In the year 1878, the late Mr. D. Gresswell had under his 

 care a large number of cattle and horses affected with anthrax, supposed to 

 have been caused by eating mouldy grains. 



The healthy animals should be isolated from those affected. The 

 stables in which the horses contracted the disease or died, and all the 

 implements, such as the fittings, should be disinfected and cleansed. The 

 carcases should be deeply interred, and the litter and manure burned. 



Although outbreaks of anthrax fever are rare in horses in this country, 

 they are not so rare among cattle, from which horses sometimes contract 



