NECROBACILLOSIS 231 
odor is exhaled. The tongue becomes swollen and sometimes the 
mouth remains open and the large tongue protrudes. This condition 
is followed by weakness, loss of flesh and a tendency to lie down. 
The caseous processes may extend into the larynx, trachea and even 
into the nasal passages. If the disease continues, the lungs may also 
become involved. The condition may extend to the intestinal tract 
in which case there is diarrhea. The lesions may be treated locally 
with disinfectants. There seems to be a tendency to self-limitation 
of the infection but treatment enhances recovery very much. When 
left untreated the animals may die or become permanently stunted in 
growth. The duration of the disease is from ten to fifteen days. 
This is to be differentiated from foot-and-mouth disease and also 
from inflammations due to fungi. 
Necrobacillosis in rabbits and guinea pigs. Mazzanti and 
Schmorl have described necrobacillosis in rabbits. The lesions begin 
on the lower lip and gradually involve the lower portions of the head, 
neck and breast, death ensuing in about eight days. They also found 
lesions due to this organism in the thigh, flank and abdomen. They 
consisted of fibrous sacs which upon section contained a creamy, 
homogeneous mass. Somewhat rapid emaciation and death follow. 
In other forms they found necrotic dermatitis in other regions of the 
body, especially on the nose and upper lip. There was a marked 
progressive invasion and destruction of tissues extending to the gums 
and nasal cavities. Horne describes multiple necroses of the lungs 
due to this organism. Eberth describes a bacillary necrosis of the 
liver occurring spontaneously in guinea pigs due to this bacillus. As 
a rule, however, guinea pigs are less susceptible than rabbits. 
Diphtheria in calves. Diphtheria of calves is an infectious disease 
of young calves characterized by the formation of a diphtheritic mem- 
brane (necrosis) on a greater or less portion of the mucous membrane 
of the mouth and throat. It often leads to death. It is caused by 
the bacterium of necrosis, described by Bang. This affection is quite 
common in Europe but it does not seem to be as well known in this 
country. 
Diagnosis. Inoculations for the purpose of diagnosis can be most 
successfully made in the rabbit and mouse. The rabbit is to be pre- 
ferred as it is not so Susceptible although the white mouse is a very 
good animal in which to keep up the virulence of pure cultures. 
Rabbits may be inoculated under the skin with a suspension of the 
