SCALMA. 519 



while suffering from a high fever, and is probably in no way specific, 

 but the result of work on an animal with high temperature. The 

 additional symptoms are those of an ordinary pleurisy. 



Diagnosis. — The diagnosis is based upon the elevation of the tem- 

 perature without corresponding acceleration of the pulse and of the 

 respirations ; upon the retention of appetite and spinal reflex, with 

 the great irritability of temper in the presence of a high- temperature, 

 and upon the spasmodic cough and auscultatory sounds of bronchitis 

 with but trifling discharge. 



The diagnosis is made from edematous pneumonia by the absence 

 of the yellow colorations, the absence of pneumonia, and the less con- 

 tinuous high temperature ; from influenza by the absence of edema, of 

 the ocher coloration, and of the typhoid symptoms; from strangles 

 by want of enlargement of the lymphatics, absence of purulent dis- 

 charge and abscesses; from variola by the nonappearance of pustules 

 and enlarged lymphatics; from simple bronchitis, as the latter is 

 sporadic, and in it great fever is accompanied by profuse discharge; 

 from rheumatic pleurisy and pleurodynia by the history in these of 

 repeated attacks and great temporary pain; from surgical fever by 

 the absence of cause. 



Prognosis. — The prognosis is usually favorable. This disease en- 

 tails only the loss of ten days' to three weeks' use of the animal, and 

 leaves the subject with no complicating sequelae. In some cases I 

 have seen the irritable disposition remain for a length of time, but in 

 every case it has finally disappeared.' As I have suggested, Adolent 

 spasms might prove fatal. Pleurisy would render the prognosis 

 serious, as the same disease would when occurring from simple causes. 



Treatment. — The treatment of a stable should be at once prophy- 

 lactic. The infected animals should be removed, and complete disin- 

 fection of the stalls and area should be made. The individual treat- 

 ment is simple. The hygienic measures of cleanliness, fresh air with- 

 out drafts, frequent rubbing, and tempting food should be thorough. 

 The digestive tract is to be regulated by small doses of bicarbonate of 

 soda, sulphate of soda, gentian, and tannic acid. The appetite is to 

 be stimulated by drinks of cold breakfast tea and cow's milk. Anti- 

 spasmodics are to be used when the cough is excessive. The best of 

 these are camphor, belladonna, stramonium, and steaming with tur- 

 pentine (turpentine 1 ounce, water half bucket). External frictions 

 of alcohol and turpentine, with hot packs to the loins, will also 

 afford relief. Quinine and salicylic acid may be used during the ele- 

 vation of temperature. Professor Dieckerhoff recommends tracheal 

 injections in 1-ounce doses of the following solution : Acetate of 

 aluminum, 1 per cent; alum, one-half to 1 per cent; bromide of 

 potash, 1 to 2 per cent ; water, 100 per cent. 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



