PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SURGERY 149 



the relative rarity of the disease among the bovine species. 

 And besides, malignant oedema seldom ever affects the ox 

 except in the region of the pudendum, and that only after 

 parturition. 



It is recognized from external anthrax by the absence of 

 emphysehia in the latter, although on inspection the swell- 

 ings may appear similar. When there is any confusion a 

 bacteriological examination will remove all doubt. (See 

 description of each bacterium). 



8. BACILLUS CEDEMATIS MALIGNI.— This mi- 

 crobe is the specific causative bacterium of malignant oedema, 

 a disease affecting all the domestic animals and man. It is 

 also known by the names of gangrenous septicaemia, gaseous 

 gangrene and emphysematous gangrene. The bacterium is 

 known as the septic vibrion in France, and is often referred 

 to as the bacillus septicus by English writers. It was found 

 by Pasteur in 1875. 



It is a motile, flagellated, sporogenous, anaerobic, aerr>- 

 genic, liquefying, non-chromogenic and pathogenic bacillus. 

 It is found in well-tilled soil, and in the dust derived from 

 that source. Hay, stable and house dust is rich in this bac- 

 terium. It measures from 2 fi to 10 fi long by. 0.8 h to i 

 At thick. (For detailed description see chapter on Gangre- 

 nous Septicjemia, Part II). 



