574 
W. F. WEESE. 
curred, abort in two or three weeks after, showing all the 
symptoms of those from which they had been removed. 
The mares after abortion usually need very little attention, 
but occasionally uterine and vaginal troubles occur, some of 
which are very serious. 
Last winter on a large stock farm having pregnant mares, 
an outbreak of abortion occurred with the direst results. Two 
imported Percheron and three common mares were lost that 
had aborted, and every known precaution was taken to check 
the disease and preserve the remaining mares, but scrupu¬ 
lous cleanliness, thorough disinfection, changes of food and 
location from one part of farm to another, proved of no avail, 
as the mares continued to abort. When only three remained, 
working on the theory that the infectious germ gained ad¬ 
mission through the genital canal, I had mercuric solution 
applied to the vulva and part of the vagina every day. One 
aborted in a few days (which in all probability had been in¬ 
oculated before the treatment was begun) while the remain¬ 
ing two carried their foals the natural time, and delivered 
them healthy and strong. 
This experience does not by any means conclusively prove 
that the treatment preserved the mares, as it is possible that 
they would have carried their foals without it, but, perhaps, 
it is a step in the right direction and as opportunities present 
themselves, 1 intend to satisfy myself that it is really effica¬ 
cious. I have not gone into a detail of symptoms, treatment, 
etc., which we all are acquainted with, but have aimed to 
stimulate a discussion that may possibly shed some light on 
the cause. 
SCROFULOUS OSTITIS IN FOALS. 
By W. F. Weese, Y.S., Ottawa, HI. 
(A Paper read before the Illinois Veterinary Medical Association). 
The above appellation is used by Professor Williams 
to designate the disease to which I wish to call your 
attention. Walley has given the term specific arthritis or 
i 
