SYMPTOMS 



415 



is left on it tends to withdraw the color ; however, if it be carefully 

 blotted and wiped off with a soft rag after use the film may be kept 

 indefinitely. 



§ 321. Symptoms. The first local changes in the geni- 

 tal organs begin after a period of incubation, according to 

 Maresch, of from eight days to two months. The first symp- 

 tom in the stallion consists in the swelling of the glans penis. 

 Reddish spots, vesicles and ulcers may occur on the outer sur- 

 face of the organ. The meatus urinarius is reddened and 

 swollen and exhibits a mucous discharge. The animal has a 

 continuous desire to micturate and frequently manifests sexual 

 excitement. The swelling also spreads from the penis to the 

 sheath and scrotum in which case the testicles become in- 

 flamed. Finally, the inguinal glands and lymph vessels 

 become involved. These local affections may, as the disease 

 advances, almost entirely disappear. In some cases the ex- 

 ternal changes are absent, as the mucous membrane of the 

 urethra is first affected, the only visible symptoms being 

 strangury and a mucous discharge from the urethra. 



In mares, the disease begins with a doughy or tense swell- 

 ing of the pudenda, which frequently spreads to the udder and 

 inner surface of the thighs. The mucous membrane of the 

 vagina is red in spots and swollen, sometimes thickened by 

 gelatinous elevations and covered with a turbid and orange 

 colored secretion. Sometimes nodules, vesicles and ulcers are 

 observed on the mucous membrane. They are, however, fre- 

 quently absent. In mares, the local manifestations are often 

 insignificant. The mucous membrane in the neighborhood of 

 the clitoris is more congested than at other points and the cli- 

 toris itself is swollen and erect. It is devoid of pigment and 

 unnaturally dry. Williams states that this depigmentation is 

 " peculiar and characteristic. " The spots of discoloration are 

 not caused by previous ulcers. At the same time affected 

 mares show excessive sexual excitement. They frequently 

 .suffer from strangury and after considerable straining urine is 

 discharged in small jets. In his report on the Illinois out- 

 break, Williams states that in mares, " The open vulva and 



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