426 
SOCIETY MEETINGS. 
past two months than at any time since I have resided here. Some of the cases are of a 
very mild nature, while others are very severe. 
“ Enzootic pharyngitis made its appearance in this section during the spring for the 
first time ; several cases having been brought to the clinics held by Dr. Roop at the col¬ 
lege veterinary hospital. The most of such cases have yielded very promptly to treat¬ 
ment, complications arising only in one case. In that case it became necessary to trephine 
the inferior maxillary sinus to remove the pus, which had collected there. Distemper 
has also been prevalent during the past three months, in a much more severe form than 
usual. 
“ A few cases of black-leg have also been reported. This disease has, however, been 
confined to a very limited area. 
“ Splenetic or Texas cattle fever prevailed in certain sections of the State during last 
summer, but since the quarantine rules and regulations have been in force but two out¬ 
breaks of the disease occurred above the quarantine line.” 
(I am pleased to announce that Dr. Niles has succeeded in having a Board of Health 
established in the town of Blacksburg, consisting of one veterinarian and two physicians. 
He also induced the town council to pass an ordinance, which is now in force, requiring 
meat and milk inspection for the town, this being the first and only place in the State hav¬ 
ing such a law,) 
Dr. H. Bannister, of Roanoke, reports as follows:—“During the year past I have 
had considerable of a sort of meningitis, that appears to be infectious to some extent; it 
has occurred mostly in cows, calves and some in dogs. The symptoms in the main are 
identical, excepting that in adult cattle theie appears to be more violence than in either 
dogs or calves. Treatment has, in my practice, been of no avail, death usually occurring 
in from 36 to 48 hours. I have seen but two recoveries, both in cattle, one a four-year-old 
Jersey and the other a yearling. The cow was given small doses ( 3 ii) of chloral hydrate 
and the heifer got no treatment. A very mild form of pharyngitis has been very prevalent 
this year, requiring very little treatment, and, beyond the annoyance of incessant cough¬ 
ing, giving no trouble. Strangles in light form has occurred as it usually does.” 
Dr. H. S. Drake, of Leesburg, sends a very important report, and I fail to see how 
we can overlook some parts of it. There can be no question that the Association should 
investigate, as he suggests. His report is as follows:—“ Tuberculosis is prevalent in 
every dairy of the county to a greater or lesser degree. Nothing is being done to check its 
spread, except m some one or two instances where I have examined by physical means, in 
order to destroy or remove all diseased cattle before new ones are brought in for renewing 
the dairy. Others have been warned, but no notice is being taken of the law. Many do 
not know that there is any danger. I do not think that the medical doctors are giving 
any warning to their patrons, as I know of the supply for babies being furnished from 
cows that have been diseased for some years, and the M. D.’sof the town are surely 
aware of the existence of the disease. Osteo-porosis has been observed in a number of 
horses boarding at Oak Hill farm, that are n.Rives of Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia . 
They were diseased when brought here about one year ago. Some have died and others 
destroyed at my instigation, where fractures existed. I now have two geldings, three 
years old, and two broodmares under observation. Notes as follows : September 17, 1895, 
two colts, sorrel and black, two years old ; enlargement of superior maxillary in both very 
bad ; gait retarded and stiff, otherwise in good condition ; emasculation standing ; both did 
well. I was informed by Mr. A. (owner) that the animals were getting much better, as 
the enlargement is scarcely perceptible to an ordinary observer. I saw them May 26, 
1897, and would not have believed there could be such a change in so short a time and 
without treatment. Their movement is free and with a new vigor of life, as is clearly 
demonstrated by their ability to kick and jump. The two broodmares, as stated by Mr. F., 
lost their foals before coming to his farm, and they are perceptibly diseased, but have by 
their sides two fine foals as ever grew and apparently sound at this writing. I hope to 
get a full history of the mares and to keep track of their offspring as developed and note 
results for further reference. 
“ Vistula of Withers and Poll.—My attention has been called at different periods to 
this disease existing among so many horses of all classes and types. I wish to bring 
before the profession the advisability of investigation by the able professional staff at our 
State Institute. It is causing the loss of many valuable animals in this and adjoining 
