LESSON FORTY-FOUR 
IMPORTANT INFECTIOUS DISEASES 
1. Actinomycosis.—Called lumpy jaw, because of the 
frequency of the swelling located on the jaw. It is due 
to the entrance of a fungus into the tissues. Adult cattle 
are most commonly, but occasionally other domestic 
animals and man may be, af- 
fected. ‘The disease is recog- 
nized by the characteristic 
tumor, usually observed on the 
jaw, either of the bone or of the 
soft tissues in that vicinity. It 
may, however, affect the tongue, 
or any of the organs of the body. 
Its development is more or less of a slow, constant 
growth, beginning with a very small nodule, but, when 
allowed to run its course, may reach the size of a cocoa- 
nut, or larger. On reaching some size, it usually rup- 
tures, and from it is discharged a thick, yellowish pus. 
If of small size in the soft tissues, it may be cut out, 
by the knife. Veterinarians have a system of treatment 
for advanced cases. 
2. Anthrax.—An acute, infectious disease of plant- 
eating animals, caused by a microbe which enters the 
circulating blood and by multiplication therein causes 
its rapid destruction and the death of the animal. The 
disease is as old as history and exists in all countries. 
Soil is the prime factor in preserving and propagating the 
germs. They may get into the body in breath, food, 
drink, through abraded surfaces on the ‘skin and by bites 
467 
DISEASED BONE, THE RESULT OF 
ACTINOMYCOSIS 
