190 
T. J. TURNER. 
Appearance of Membranes when Found .—The membrane of 
this particular case when found in the morning after the labor 
(upon a hill-top), and a close and minute examination made, 
revealed the following facts: That portion of the membranes 
accompanying the horns of the uterus, was found to be 
undergoing decomposition, having a deep red, congested ap¬ 
pearance, this followed by a leaden greyish color later, and 
exhaling a very sanious odor. Small patches of the mem¬ 
branes were entirely destroyed, and small quantities of a 
muco-purulent matter were to be found. From these mem¬ 
branes, septic material was obtained for future use for experi¬ 
mental purposes. The method will be found hereafter in 
“ History of Experiment and Result so far as Ascertained,” 
the direct operating cause being a microscopical parasite, 
with its classification not yet definitely determined ; the life- 
history of the parasite, and its habits are yet also to be deter¬ 
mined. 
Symptoms .—In this trouble—infectious abortion—no symp¬ 
toms save those premonitory signs, as a possible uneasiness 
noticed in simple abortion, are noticed, and most frequently 
nothing at all is to be seen. However, in the joint affection, 
due to the same organism which caused abortion, as shown 
by investigation hereafter noted, affecting the foal which 
lived, the following symptoms were noticed: About a week 
or ten days after the birth of the foal there was a swollen 
condition of some of the joints of the limbs. These increased 
in size, and became very painful. They often ruptured, 
and a muco-purulent discharge escaped. Usually, however, 
there was no rupture, but a continuous distention of the syno¬ 
vial sac. Upon manipulation, these swellings were found 
very tense and feverish, the little fellows, with a most de¬ 
jected look, stood or reclined alternately, moving around 
very little, on account of the extreme pain caused by any mo¬ 
tion whatever. A severe synovitis, at times partaking of a 
suppurative character, was established, and upon post-mor¬ 
tem examination the entire epithysis would be found denuded 
of cartilage, so severe had been the suppurative action. The 
appetite seemed tolerably fair in most cases, yet there was 
i 
