3o6 



ACTINOMYCOSIS 



neoplastic tissue increases in amount until it gradually forces 

 its way through the opening, resembling somewhat a cauli- 

 flower in appearance. The actinomycotic growth frequently 

 increases rapidly in size after it has discharged. In later 

 stages the teeth may become ulcerated and loose. 



When the tongue is affected the animal finds it difficult to 

 eat. The organ is swollen and in advanced cases hangs from 

 the mouth. There is in these cases profuse salivation. When 



the pharynx is affected 

 there is diflSculty in swal- 

 lowing and when the larynx 

 is attacked there is difiicul- 

 ty in breathing. In this 

 country the tumor is most 

 frequently seen on the ex- 

 ternal surface of the jaw. 

 It is stated by Salmon that 

 it usually begins in the 

 connective tissue beneath 

 the skin but soon extends 

 to the bone, which it pene- 

 trates. Actinomycosis of 

 the cervical vertebrae may 

 cause spinal paralysis. 

 When the lungs are at- 

 tacked the animal may present the appearance of one suffering 

 from a chronic pulmonary disease such as tuberculosis. 



Actinomycosis is not a rapidly fatal disease. Animals 

 rarely if ever die from its immediate effects. The length of 

 time during which they survive depends very largely upon the 

 location of the tumor and the rapidity of its development. If 

 the tumor is situated where it does not interfere seriously with 

 prehension, mastication or swallowing of food or where it does 

 not occlude or press upon the respiratory passages the animal 

 usually survives for several years. When death occurs it is 

 usually due to inanition, the animal being unable to take 

 sufiicient food, although the drain upon the system by the 



Fig. 73. A drawing of a very young 

 actinomycotic growth. A, actino- 

 myces ; B, giant cell : C, surround- 

 ing reactionary zone. 



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