J. F.
SHIRLAW
297
The diagnosis of the case at this stage is frequently given, although
wrongly, as acute gastro-enteritis and a superficial evaluation of the symptoms
would seem to support this view. The temporary alleviation of fever is suc-
ceeded by an abrupt rise, possibly up to 106°F. and the temperature fluctuates
between 103—105.5°F. for several days. If the dog, which is now critically
ill, survives this crisis, the temperature drops fairly rapidly to a range within
102—104°F. and within ten to fourteen days, the temperature swings steadily
between 101—103.5°F, with an occasional sharp paroxysmal rise of no great
duration. The critical phase of the disease has abated, leaving the animal
exhausted and severely debilitated. Superficial signs of anaemia, evidenced
by pallor of the visible mucous membranes, are seen. The faeces are fre-
quently black in colour at this stage of the illness. A distinct systolic thrill
indicates an inestimable involvement of the myocardium. From this stage to
the termination of the disease, a fluctuating erratic temperature is exhibited.
For several days, the temperature may be practically normal. The dog appears
brighter and an encouraging prognosis may mistakenly be given. The progno-
sis is invariably bad. Without any warning, the temperature may shoot up to
104—106°F., remaining at this level for several days and defying all efforts at
reduction. The inevitable end is already in sight.
The further progress of the disease resolves itself into a struggle between
the latent resistance of the animal and the debilitating effects of the fever,
combined with the too plainly obvious anaemia and threatening jaundice.
Within a few days, pneumonia may supervene frequently complicated by
jaundice, or a sudden fatal bowel or nasal haemorrhage may close the scene.
The penumonia which is so frequently the direct cause of death shows a marked
tendency to be gangrenous in type. Many animals may survive for surprisingly
long periods, especially when carefully nursed. Of two pedigree fox-terriers
affected, one survived for two months. At the end of five weeks it was
apparently cured (after treatment). A serious relapse occurred two weeks
later, the animal eventually succumbing to debility and severe secondary
anaemia. The second animal survived for fifty-three days, showing no
mitigation of illness, and dying in the same fashion. Natural recovery has been
noted in only a few dogs and in such cases, keratitis is frequent.
PATHOLOGY
In all clinical cases of the disease, blood examination has been done as a
routine. The majority of such examinations were made upon dogs admitted
as fever cases to the Punjab Veterinary College, cases in which, after several
negative blood tests, a negative diagnosis of ' tick fever ' was given. In most
cases, the owner was reluctant to subject the patient to daily blood examina-
tion over a protracted period, but in those cases where such facilities existed,
especially in the case of the writer's own dogs, the results of the following daily
examinations were recorded throughout the course of the illness :—
(i) Direct examination of Giemsa-stained blood films for the presence
of piroplasms or other protozoon parasites ;