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DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 



thereafter are advisable. The pathological changes, as erosion of 

 cartilage, rarefying ostitis and destruction of tendon in these parts, 

 like those seen in navicular disease, are incurable, as is also wasting 

 of muscle. 



Prevention. — At the onset in young animals, with signs of 

 inflammation about tendons, one should enforce rest and use cold 

 douches, Priessnitz applications and compression by elastic bandage, 

 and, if these measures are followed by only moderate work or 

 pasturing, the occurrence of a chronic swelling may often be 

 averted. 



Tetanus — Lockjaw. 



This disease is caused by a special bacillus which flourishes 

 without air (anaerobic), and, outside of the body, lives in soil and 

 manure. All animals are susceptible, but tetanus is more common 

 in the horse, cattle and sheep. The germ always gains entrance 

 through a wound in the skin or mucous membranes, although in 

 many cases such may apparently be absent, in which event the 

 disease is wrongly said to be idiopathic. Great prevalence of the 

 germs may give rise to enzootic or even epizootic tetanus. Infec- 

 tion most often occurs through wounds or pricks of the feet in 

 horses which are apt to be soiled with manure; in lacerated or 

 contused wounds coming in contact with soil or dust; in cows 

 after parturition; in the new-born (lambs especially), from navel- 

 infection; and after castration, docking the tail and other surgical 

 operations. 



Stablemen and gardeners are liable to tetanus because their 

 wounds are subject to contamination with soil and manure. 



Symptoms. — In the horse the head is raised and the neck is 

 either stretched out or drawn back stiffly, while the tail is likewise 

 held stiffly level with the back and often to one side. The ears are 

 pricked up and forward like those of a hare. The eyes are sunken 

 and partly covered by the haw. The nostrils are dilated and saliva 



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