1G2 
A. C. STEVER. 
contains. The gall bladder is usually distended with bile, and 
petechial spots are often noticed on its membranes. 
The bile is very thick, has the appearance of “ chewed grass,’* 
and contains numerous firm, irregular flakes. The spleen is 
greatly enlarged, sometimes reaching four times its normal di¬ 
mensions, and very dark in color. 
The kidneys are usually very dark in color and congested, 
and, on cross-section, the normal markings are indistinguishable. 
The bladder usually contains a varying quantity of urine, 
which may or may not be blood-stained. 
No characteristic lesions are found in the stomach and intes¬ 
tines. The intestines usually contain considerable bile and there 
is more or less oedema of their walls. 
The pericardium, also the endocardium, usually contains pin¬ 
point hemorrhages. 
Differential Diagnosis .—There are two diseases which may 
be confounded with Texas fever, viz., anthrax and blackleg. Al¬ 
though these diseases are frequently mistaken one for the other, 
there are numerous differences between them, which, if carefully 
considered and taken together, are usually sufficient to establish 
a diagnosis. 
The following are the main features of Texas fever not found 
in anthrax: Presence of ticks. Young suckling calves, as a rule, 
are not affected. The mucous membranes become extremely pale 
and jaundiced, while in the anthrax they are congested, with 
the bloodvessels standing out prominently. The blood is thin, 
pale and watery, while in anthrax it is tarry, black and incoagul¬ 
able. The bile is semi-solid and contains numerous hard flakes, 
while in anthrax it is fluid. The liver in Texas fever is enlarged, 
yellowish and mottled, while in anthrax the liver, though en¬ 
larged, is very dark and congested. 
The majority of victims of blackleg are between 6 months 
and 2 years of age. In blackleg there are present superficial 
crackling swellings, which, on being opened, are found to contain * 
gas bubbles, with the peculiar odor characteristic of the disease. 
There is also an absence of blood-stained urine. On post-mortem 
