488 



to an enormous size; they have always the characteristic constricted 

 border, which looks as if it had been tied with a cord. In the nostrils 

 are found small reddish spots or petechise, which gradually assume a 

 brownish and frequently a black color. Examination of the mouth will 

 frequently reveal similar lesions on the surface of the tongue, along the 

 lingual gutter and on the frcenum. If the external swelling has been 

 on the head the petechise of the mucous membranes are apt to be more 

 numerous and to coalesce into patches of larger size than when the 

 dropsy is confined to the legs. The animals may be rendered stiff by 

 the swelling of the legs, or be annoyed by the awkward swollen head, 

 which at times may be so enormous as to resemble that of a hippopot- 

 amus rather than that of a horse. During this period the temperature 

 remains normal, the pulse, if altered at all, is ouly a little weaker, the 

 respiration is only hurried if the swelling of the head infringes on the 

 caliber of the nostrils. The appetite remains normal. The animal is 

 attentive to all that is going on, and, except for the swelling, appar- 

 ently in perfect health. 



In from two to four days the tissues can no longer resist the pressure 

 of the exuded fluid. Over the surface of the skin which covers the dropsy 

 we find a slight serous sweating, which loosens the epidermis and dries 

 so as to simulate the eruption of some cutaneous disease. If this is ex- 

 cessive we may see irritated spots which are suppurating. In the nasal 

 fossse the hemorrhagic spots have acted as irritants, and, inviting an 

 increased amount of blood to the Schneideriau membrane, produce a 

 coryza or even a catarrh. We may now find some enlargement and 

 peripheral cedema of the lymphatic glands, which are fed from the af- 

 fected part. The thermometer indicates a slight rise in the body tem- 

 perature, while the pulse and respiration are somewhat accelerated. 

 The appetite usually remains good. In the course of a few days the 

 temperature may have reached 102°, 103°, or lOi^ F. 



Fever is established, not an essential or specific fever in any way, but 

 a simple secondary fever produced by the dead material from the sur- 

 face or superficial suppuration, and by the oxidization and absorption 

 of the colloid mass contained in the tissues. Just such a fever as would 

 be produced by an excoriation of a considerable surface of the skin in 

 an animal, otherwise sound, or by the absorption of the cedema result- 

 ing from a blow. 



Suppuration may become excessive from the great distension and loss 

 of vitality of the skin. Here the lesion is visible and the constitutional 

 phenomena are marked. 



Lymphangitis may be established from the large amount of irritating 

 material which the ducts and glands of the lymphatic system are forced 

 to carry from the affected part. 



Gangrene may be developed in spots from the size of a xiea to that of 

 a hen's egg. The great distension of the subcutaneous layer of con- 

 nective tissue or the excessive hemorrhage in the submucous layer may 



