MALADIE DU C0IT. 
405 
ness of the hind quarters, lameness, knuckling over at the fet¬ 
locks, and loss of condition without impairment of the appetite. 
The disease may continue from three months to three, four or 
even five years. The mortality varies from 40 to 70 per cent., 
according to the constitution of the animal, condition, manner of 
keeping, and climate of the country. The mortality is greater 
among stallions than mares. 
The contagium of this disease is “ fixed,” and from what is at 
present known of it, is only contained in the secretions of the 
genital mucous membrane (that lining the urethra of the stallion 
and the vagina of the mare), and in the vesicles or ulcers. 
It does not exist in the blood. It is inoculable, and at times 
very potent; but it does not appear to have any action on other 
than equine and asine species. 
The contagium obtains access through the generative organs, 
and we have no evidence to show that it may be received in any 
other channel. 
It is transmitted from the stallion to the mare, or vice versa , 
in the act of copulation. The highest bred animals are the most 
susceptible. 
The duration of the latent period does not appear to be fully 
determined. Maresh says it varies from eight days to two 
months. Haubner gives it an incubative stage of three to six 
days in the benignant form. The same authority states that the 
malignant form may be longer than two months in appearing. 
Viardot gives it fifteen days to two months. Venereal excite¬ 
ment appears to diminish its incubation, as it also tends to 
induce its more rapid development when it has appeared. 
Owing to the long stage of incubation and duration of the mal¬ 
ady, it may be carried to the more distant regions by one infected 
animal. 
From the figures at present accessible, it would appear that of 
the animals exposed to the infection about one-third become 
diseased. Cohabitation, without actual contact, wiil not produce 
the malady. 
A study of the above disease will repay those interested in 
horse breeding, and I recommend to their consideration Fleming’s 
