206 



VETERINARY STUDIES 



Temperatures are taken at, e.g., 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The 

 mallein is then given by a hypodermic injection at about 10 

 p.m. On the following day temperatures are taken every two 

 hours, beginning at 6 a.m. and continuing until 6 or 8 p.m. or 

 even later if the temperature is rising and the reaction is indefi- 

 nite. A rise of three degrees or more above the high normal to 

 104 or higher is diagnostic, and usually means glanders. Such 

 a rise of temperature is spoken of as a 

 reaction. Reacting animals usually show 

 a prominent and painful swelling at the 

 point of injection — an important con- 

 sideration in the diagnosis. 



This test is being superseded by the 

 newer and simpler tests. 



The second mallein test, the intrader- 

 mal, is made by injecting a special mal- 

 lein with a fine needle into the skin of 

 the lower eyelid. The glandered horse 

 reacts with an inflammation and per- 

 sistent swelling at the point of injection. 

 The third mallein test, the ophthalmic, 

 is made by placing a special tuberculin 

 in the eye. The glandered horse reacts 

 by inflammation, and pus in the eye, 

 usually at the inner angle. 



Mallein has revealed the rather serious 

 fact that there are unquestionably many cases of glanders which 

 are never recognized, some of them without doubt infectious. 



Prevention. — The common methods of spread must be borne 

 in mind, and the fact be clearly realized that the germ which 

 causes glanders is very easily disseminated. 



Some of the more common mediums of spreading it are drink- 

 ing water, feed boxes and troughs, hitching racks and posts, 

 and public water fountains, which should be abolished and re- 

 placed by individual pails. Any means which serves to bring 

 the virus, B. mallei, into direct contact with mucous membranes 

 or with the broken skin may be sufficient to cause the disease. 

 Pus from the farcy sores and the nasal discharge are very 

 virulent. 



Prevention therefore consists in avoiding conditions which 

 may bring the virus into contact with the mucous membranes 



Fig. 71. — G-l an dees 

 (Farcy). (M. B. B.) 



Farcy scars in the face. 

 An old case. 



