242 DISEASES OF THE SPINAL CORD 



INFECTIOUS SPINAL PARALYSIS OF THE HORSE. 



Enzootic Paraplegia. 



Definition. — An enzootic spinal paralysis of horses, which 

 usually takes an acute course and is characterized pathologi- 

 cally by numerous small hemorrhages in the different organs, 

 but particularly in the spinal cord. The genital organs and 

 bladder not uncommonly show gelatinous infiltration. 



Occurrence. — The disease is found in different parts of 

 Europe, occurring mostly among cavalry horses and in studs. 

 No outbreaks have been reported in the United States. 



Etiology. — The cause of the disease is believed to be a strep- 

 tococcus (Streptococcus melanogenes) which is found in the 

 blood, parenchymatous organs, medullary substance of the 

 bone, spinal cord, and in the gelatinous infiltration of the 

 genital organs and bladder. 



Natural Infection. — Horses are infected probably through 

 the digestive tract with contaminated food and water. It is 

 possible that the streptococcus assumes a saprophytic life 

 outside of the body. Horses of low resistance may be first 

 attacked, and from them later others are infected. The 

 urine and feces are probably infective. 



Symptoms. — A preliminary stage is characterized by weak- 

 ness behind, rapid fatigue, and emaciation. In some cases 

 spasms of the muscles of the loins, croup, and abdomen have 

 been noted. In some outbreaks mild edema of the prepuce 

 or vulva has been observed. The patient urinates frequently. 



In the later stage of the disease the patient may collapse 

 during work or more rarely even when at rest. Paralysis of 

 the hind limbs develops, making it impossible for the animal 

 to rise from a recumbent position or stand without assistance. 

 The digestive tract remains practically intact. In some out- 

 breaks the temperature may reach as high as 107.6° F., and 

 the pulse becomes very rapid. The patient may also show 

 stranguria; the urine is stained red and contains albumin. 

 Sensibility is not much impaired, and paralysis of the sphinc- 

 ters is little developed. Occasionally there may be marked 

 inflammation of the external genitals. The penis is swollen, 



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