182 
COLEMAN NOCKOLDS. 
elevated slightly, especially if the animal is weakly, or of a 
nervous temperament. Myalgic pains, prostration and partial 
or complete anorexia are amongst the signs observed during 
the period of invasion. 
General Symptoms .—The true onset of distemper usually 
is ushered in by a severe rigor, with a rapid rise of temperature 
which may be at its height in twenty-four hours, io6° F., some¬ 
times reaching as high as iio° F. ; again the disease may start 
with slight shiverings, followed by a gradual rise of tempera¬ 
ture, and occasionally the fever is intermittent. Vomiting is 
of frequent occurrence during the first stages. Often complete 
anorexia exists, or the appetite may be capricious. Pulse is 
either small, feeble and irregular, or rarely unusually slow, due 
to cardiac debility. The heart beats tumultuous and irregular, 
or weakened. A slight discharge from the nose and eyes is 
present in the majority of cases ; this soon becomes excessive, of 
a muco-purulent nature, drying on the edges of the eyelids, 
causing them to adhere. The nose may be hot or cold ; it is 
dry. Pain is present, causing the animal to groan. The head 
is hot and aches. Constipation or diarrhoea are present, and 
usually a slight husky cough exists. The bronchial tubes are 
affected. A well marked rash located on the inner side of the 
thighs makes its appearance in the majority of cases. As the 
disease advances these symptoms become aggravated, emaciation 
occurs, the coat looks dull, and there is present the character¬ 
istic odor of distemper. Often grave complications present 
themselves. 
Distemper takes various clinical types : 
(a) Respiratory.—This is the most common type. There is 
present various well marked catarrhal troubles. The conjunc¬ 
tiva is red, dry and swollen at first, but later excessive lach- 
rymation ; finally, a discharge of a muco-purulent character, 
part of which dries on the margin of the lids, causing them to 
adhere ; photophobia exists. The animal sneezes constantly 
and there is a cough present, these conditions occurring as a 
result of a dry laryngo-tracheal mucous membrane, which causes 
