6 
Brisket Disease 
LESIONS 
The carcass is usually emaciated. The subcutaneous 
tissues in the region of the brisket, lower side of the neck, and 
under the jaw are infiltrated with a clear serum. It does not 
flow freely when incised, but can be squeezed out. Some¬ 
times the subcutaneous tissue of the limbs is similarly affected. 
When the abdomen is opened, a considerable quantity of 
straw-colored fluid escapes, sometimes as much as six or eight 
gallons. 
The liver is always much enlarged and is tough, firm and 
leathery. On section it has a grayish mottled appearance, 
the cut veins being very large. The condition of the liver is 
very noticeable and seems to be constant. 
In the thorax a large amount of fluid is to be found, as 
in the abdomen. The lungs are edematous. The heart is en¬ 
larged, dilated and usually flabby. 
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS 
It simulates traumatic pericarditis, but can be differenti¬ 
ated by the fever which usually accompanies the latter dis¬ 
ease. On post-mortem examination the finding of pus in the 
pericardium would eliminate brisket disease and point to 
traumatism. 
It could easily be mistaken for pneumonia, especially if 
complicated with pleurisy, in which case the brisket might be 
swollen. The diagnosis of these latter conditions would be 
based on the presence of fever in the live animal and, on 
autopsy, signs of inflammation in the lungs and pleura. 
TREATMENT 
Of twelve animals shipped to a lower altitude under the 
direction of the Station, ten recovered, although no other 
treatment was administered. It is the belief of most stock- 
men who have had experience that getting the animals to a 
lower level is sufficient to effect a cure. It appears that tak¬ 
ing the animals from the ranges around the San Luis Valley 
down into the Valley proper (altitude 7,500 feet) has effected 
a cure in many cases. Most of the animals that have been 
shipped from South Park to Denver (5,280 feet) have recov¬ 
ered. Consequently, removal to a lower altitude is always to 
be recommended if feasible. The difficulty comes in getting 
these animals to a shipping point, as they are so weak that 
they can be driven only with difficulty. 
Medicinal treatment has always been unsatisfactory but 
can be tried if the animals can be put into a warm place. Any 
treatment on the range is believed to be out of the question. 
