PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SURGERY 471 



constriction of the masseters renders mastication impossi- 

 ble. Solid food cannot be ingested; liquids are most easily 

 swallowed, but when contractions affect the pharynx and 

 cesophagus, even these are rejected. The saliva itself es- 

 capes through the commissures of the mouth. The intes- 

 tines are contracted, their movements are suspended and 

 constipation results. 



The respiration is normal in the beginning, but becomes 

 disturbed when the spasmodic contractions invade the mus- 

 cles of the trunk and diaphragm. They become rapid, short, 

 jerky, painful, panting, and more and more difficult and dysp- 

 noeic as the movements of the ribs and diaphragm become 

 more limited. It is during the paroxysmal seizures that the 

 respiratory movements reach the highest mark. They may 

 count 60 to 90 per minute, in which case asphyxia is im- 

 minent. 



The pulse harmonizes with the contractions. It is nor- 

 mal at the commencement, but becomes accelerated, espec- 

 ially during the paroxysms. It may reach 90 to too or more, 

 and is then feeble, small and hard. 



Under the influence of contraction of the sphincter of the 

 bladder the urine is retained. The micturitions are scanty 

 and there is evidence of albuminuria. 



From the standpoint of its progress tetanus exhibits two 

 forms: an acute tetanus and a chronic tetanus. 



Acute tetanus has a very short period of incubation. It 

 becomes generalized very rapidly and is ushered in by vio- 

 lent contractions, complete trismus and a very high temper- 

 ature. Deglutition is soon impossible, the respirations are 

 accelerated, the paroxysms are frequent and the animal is 

 covered with perspiration and threatened with speedy ex- 

 haustion. The patient soon falls in complete lateral decum- 

 bency, and the limbs are so rigid that they are carried some 

 distance from the floor. The agitation is permanent. It 



