178 DISEASES OF THE BLOOD 



end. fn some cases the condition of the animal is retained to a 

 remarkable degree; beyond an intermittent or remittent fever 

 the patient may show no symptoms for many weeks or 

 months. During the course of the disease in individual 

 animals many exacerbations and remissions are noted. 



The chronic form may last for several months; in a few 

 cases even for years. 



Diagnosis. — In some instances the diagnosis is not difficult; 

 in others it is impossible unless blood inoculations are made. 

 Where a district is known to be infected and the symptoms 

 of anemia, emaciation, edematous swellings, anemic pulse, 

 extreme weakness and usually good appetite are present, a 

 correct diagnosis can generally be arrived at without much 

 danger of error. On the other hand, where the patient shows 

 no anemia, and the condition remains good, the diagnosis 

 can be extremely difficult. Only by taking the temperature 

 daily for a long period of time or by blood inoculations can 

 the disease be determined. The complement-fixation test 

 has shown itself to be of no value. 



Infectious anemia might be confused with influenza, forage 

 poisoning, anthrax and sclerostomiasis. However, a careful 

 study of the clinical phenomena coupled with a good history 

 (infectious anemia having existed on the premises) will 

 usually make the differentiation attainable. 



Course and Prognosis. — The acute form usually leads to 

 death as such. It is exceptional to find acute cases going 

 over into the chronic type. Recovery is very exceptional and 

 death may occur quite unexpectedly. The mortality is over 

 90 per cent. Apparent recoveries are often noted. 



Treatment. — A medicinal treatment is without avail. 

 Quinine, trypan blue, atoxyl, collargol and arsenic preparations 

 were found of no permanent benefit. Absolute rest and very 

 intensive feeding will prolong life and cause improvement in 

 many cases. Rest in the stable, keeping the temperature 

 down with cold baths and enemata, and arsenic administered 

 internally have been recommended. This treatment should 

 be continued for about four to six weeks. Generally speaking, 

 however, the treatment of infectious anemia is very un- 

 satisfactory. 



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