138 



ANTHRAX 



animal suffers from fever, dyspnea, difSculty in swallowing^ 

 and cyanosis, together with the immediate local effects. 

 Death occurs much sooner than when the disease is located on 

 the skin. It is stated that dogs and swine suffer from this 

 form more than from the acute types. 



In horses, anthrax usually runs an acute or subacute 

 course. The first symptom is rise of temperature with a rapid, 

 feeble pulse. There may be chills and muscular spasms. 

 The mucosa of the head becomes cyanotic and lacrymation is 

 often present. The animal has a dull, stupid look, appears to 

 be stunned and walks with a staggering gait. In some cases 

 there are symptoms of cerebral congestion, such as restlessness 

 or convulsions. Colic is a very characteristic symptom in the 

 horse, otherwise the symptoms are the same as in cattle. 

 Infection of the skin usually occurs on the hypogastrium, 

 lower part of the breast, inner surface of the fore and hind 

 quarters. Swelling of the hind quarters often causes lameness. 

 Carbuncles of the mucous membrane of the tongue are said to 

 be rare in this species. 



In sheep and goats the disease is usually of the acute or 

 apoplectic form. The animals appear as if suddenly stricken 

 with apoplexy. If death does not occur within a very short 

 time, symptoms already described for this form of the disease 

 may be recognized. Subacute anthrax is said to be very rare 

 in sheep. 



In swine, anthrax is ordinarily characterized bj' local 

 lesions on the mucous membrane of the larynx and pharynx. 

 The animals have a rise of temperature and the intermaxillary 

 space is generally swollen. The swelling may spread along 

 the trachea, giving rise to difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness, 

 cyanosis of the mucosa of the mouth, dyspnea and rapid 

 breathing. The animal shows signs of paralysis. Death 

 occurs from suffocation. Frequently the tongue becomes the 

 seat of the disease. Carbuncles occurring on the skin, 

 especially of the back, have been described in this .species. 



In dogs and cats, the disease usually runs a very rapid 

 course. The fact that they are usually infected by eating the 



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