384 PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SURGERY 



which do not again appear^ no doubt, because the micro-or- 

 ganisms which have penetrated into the blood have been des- 

 troyed by the phagocytes. In the latter instance there ex- 

 ists a condition intermediate between traumatic fever and 

 acute septicaemia. 



SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE SEPTIC-ffiMIA.— T h e 

 symptoms are graver and more persistent than in the pre- 

 ceding form. In the horse and dog the temperature rises 

 from 40.5 degrees to 41.5 degrees C. It lowers in the morn- 

 ing to gradually rise again in the afternoon, reaching its 

 maximum at night. For several days the same condition 

 continues. The animals are dejected and refuse all nourish- 

 ment. The pulse and respirations are accelerated. If the 

 lesion is on a limb there will be intense lameness, and unless 

 relieved by liberal drainage of the poison the patient dies of 

 exhaustion. 



SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC SEPTICEMIA.— This 

 pathological state is described by the expression "put- 

 rid infection" or "putrid intoxication." It is char- 

 acterized clinically by a slow febrile state of inter- 

 mittent type. It is the result of the repeated ab- 

 sorption of microbian toxins in small doses. It was 

 once described as hectic fever. The condition is seen in 

 the course of chronic suppurations, as a sequel of certain ex- 

 tensive chronic abscesses, — fistulae of the withers, poll-evils, 

 quitters, etc. It also occurs in animals suffering from dis- 

 eases which necessitate prolonged decumbency, especially 

 when insufficient bedding is allowed. The numerous cuta- 

 neous wounds thus produced become the seat of a copious ab- 

 sorption of toxic products which .provoke fever and assist in 

 exhausting the patient. Horses suffering from diseases of 

 the extremities and cows after difficult parturition, present- 

 ing lesions of the bones and muscles, and animals affected 

 with acute arthritis sometimes die of putrid infection from 



