454 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



lung and in the liver and necrotic patches observed on the mucous 

 membrane of the gastro-intestinal tract. 



Symptoms. — Necrotic stomatitis is both a local and a systemic 

 affection. Primarily it is local. The local lesion is the caseo-necrotic 

 patch or ulcer developed as a result of the multiplication of the 

 bacilli at the point of inoculation. The general affection is an intoxi- 

 cation, or poisoning, of the whole system produced by a soluble toxin 

 elaborated by the bacilli. 



The stage of incubation is from three to five days. The first symp- 

 toms noted are a disinclination to take nourishment, some drooling 

 from the mouth, and an examination of the mouth will show on some 

 portion of its mucous membrane a circumscribed area of infiltration 

 and redness, possibly an erosion. The latter gradually extends in 

 size and depth, forming a sharply circumscribed area of necrotic 

 inflammation. It may measure anywhere from the size of a five-cent 

 piece to that of a dollar or even larger. It has the appearance of a 

 corroded surface, under which the mucous membrane or muscular 

 tissue seems transformed into a dry friable or firm cheesy mass. It 

 is grayish yellow in color and is bordered by a zone of thickened tissue 

 slightly reddened and somewhat granulated. The necrotic tissue is 

 very adherent and can be only partially peeled off. It is homogene- 

 ous, cheesy, and mayextend two fingers' depth into the tissues beneath. 

 The general symptoms are languor, weakness, and slight fever. In 

 spite of plenty of good food the calf is seen to be failing. It steps 

 sucking, or, if older, altogether refuses to eat. The temperature at 

 this time may be from 104° to 107° F. The slabber becomes pro- 

 fuse, swallowing very difficult, opening of the mouth quite painful, 

 and a most offensive odor is exhaled. The tongue is swollen and its 

 motion greatly impaired. Sometimes the mouth is kept open, permit- 

 tin the tumefied tongue to protrude. One or more of the above 

 symptoms direct the attention to the mouth as the seat of disease; 

 or, having noticed the debility and disinclination to eat, an examina- 

 tion of the animal may show a lump under the neek or swelling of 

 the throat or head. The following extract from a letter is character- 

 istic : 



I noticed my calves beginning to fail about the first week in December, but 

 could not account for it, as they were getting plenty of grain and hay. My atten- 

 tion was first attracted by a swelling under the neck of one of the calves. I cast 

 the animal and found it was food that had collected and the animal couldn't 

 swallow it. I removed it, and in so doing noticed a large ulcer on the tongue and 

 a very offensive odor. This was the first knowledge I had of anything being 

 wrong with the calves' mouths. They may have been sick for some time before 

 this. 



Out of a herd of 100 belonging to this man, 70 were affected, and the 

 letter emphasizes the insidious character of the onset. 



The general affection at this time manifests itself by dejectedness 



