INFECTIOUS DISEASES. 577 
10 to 14 days, the only sign left of the former swelling is a slight 
thickening of the skin over the point of the injection; but at the 
moment when the tension and tenderness of the parts at the seat 
of inoculation become suddenly decreased a symptom of the utmost 
clinical importance takes place, namely, at that moment the parasite 
of surra enters the blood of the general circulation. 
The temperature on the day of inoculation, and, in fact, for several 
days afterwards, may remain normal in character, there being only 
a few degrees difference between the morning and evening observa- 
tions. In other cases there may be a slight rise from the first even- 
ing, and a gradual progressive rise until the swelling at the seat of 
inoculation shows signs of reduction in size, when the temperature 
generally takes a decided rise again, and may attain 104° or 105.8° F. 
This elevation will last a varying period of from two to six days, 
and on the day following its onset the ordinary symptoms of fever 
will be noticed, and in addition there will be petechiz on the con- 
junctival membranes, lacrimation, a slight mucous discharge from 
the nose, and in severe cases some edema of the lower portion of the 
legs, and perhaps of the sheath in horses. At the termination of the 
period of fever the temperature will be found to have fallen to nor- 
mal or nearly so; the animal will present a brighter aspect, and 
there is every appearance of its return to health; in a few days, 
however, the animal again appears dull and half asleep; the tem- 
perature is elevated, a relapse takes place, and a repetition of all the 
symptoms in the primary paroxysm, including the reappearance of 
the parasite, is observed. 
Diagnosis ——A diagnosis may also be established by the comple- 
ment-fixation or agglutination tests with the sera from suspected 
animals. This, however, can be carried out only in laboratories and 
requires special facilities for its execution. 
Treatment.—No satisfactory treatment is known. Intravenous in- 
jections of Fowler’s solution of arsenic give temporary relief, but re- 
lapses occur. In view of the great economic importance of this 
disease, it would not be advisable to attempt to treat any sporadic 
cases should they. occur in this country. On the contrary, the animals 
should be slaughtered immediately and their carcasses promptly 
burned. 
36444°—16——37 
