434 
THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 
8. Anthrax. 
This is an infectious disease caused by germs, called the 
anthrax bacilH, getting into the blood. It affects cattle in all 
parts of the world, and is only noticed in cattle that are 
grazing on low, swampy land containing pools of stagnant 
water. When once the disease gets into a pasture field it will 
remain there for years, and the only way to get rid of it is tc 
break the field up and drain it. 
Fig. 73. — A Cow Suffering from Anthrax. 
Symptoms. — It more frequently affects young cattle than 
older ones. The attack is very sudden, and an animal appar- 
ently well the night before may be found dead in the morning. 
In some cases as soon as the animal is affected it drops down, 
goes into convul^sions and dies. In other cases it lasts longer, 
the pulse runs up to from 80 to 100 beats per minute. The 
animal will not eat, the whole surface of the body, legs and 
ears are cold, and it is very dull, stupid and weak. In a 
short time this dullness gives way to uneasiness. It champs, 
kicks and paws the ground and appears to be in terrible 
agony. There is very ^uch difficulty in breathing, the nos- 
trils are enlarged and the mouth open. The lining of the 
mouth, nostrils, rectum or back bowel and vagina are of a 
blue color, the manure is first thin and watery looking, then 
covered with slime and blood. Symptoms gradually get 
worse, and in a few hours it dies a miserable death. 
