( 21 )
SYMPTOMS OF GLANDERS.
A well-developed case of Glanders shows the following symptoms :—
1. There will be a nasal discharge.
2. There will be ulceration of the nasal membrane.
3. There will be a lump (enlarged gland) between the jaws.
A well-developed case of Glanders, which is popularly called "Farcy," shows the
following symptoms :—
1. Swelling of one or more legs, with corded condition of the (lymphatic) veins.
2. The formation of small abscesses at intervals along the course of these veins.
3. Ulceration of the abscesses, which discharge an oily sort of matter and heal very
unwillingly.
The symptoms of "Glanders" may be combined with those of "Farcy" and vice vend.
Mention has been made of the fact that an animal may be glandered and yet show no
symptoms of the disease. Other cases occur in which the only symptoms are an unthrifty
coat, want of vigour, an occasional cough, frequent urination (polyuria), and now and then a
slight discharge from the nose. These symptoms may continue for a long time, to be
followed in the end by those already described.
A word of caution may be added. Any one of the symptoms 1, 2, 3 may be absent. There
may be no ulceration or no nasal discharge, or no enlarged gland. On the other hand, there
may be nasal discharge and a lump between the jaws due to other causes than Glanders. As
regards "Farcy" it may be pointed out that its symptoms may be confounded with ordinary
Lymphangitis and with a disease which is occasionally prevalent, known as infectious
Lymphangitis.
From the above data, it will be evident that Glanders is a most insidious disease and
very difficult to diagnose in many cases ; nevertheless constant care, daily examination by
owner, and immediate isolation of doubtful cases, may do much to prevent the spread of the
disease.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES.
Besides the measures laid down in Act XX of 1879, India, the following suggestions may
be useful :—
Glanders has been shown to have prevailed in the stables of several European residents in
the Commissionership of Patna ; in view of the famed hospitality of the residents, which
extends to the horses and ponies of their friends, and which frequently brings these animals
together, it is wise, when a case of Glanders is detected on one concern, to regard with
suspicion the horses, &c., on the neighbouring concerns. Moreover, it is known that residents
go long distances for purposes of sport or drill, and in this way Glanders may be carried far.
It may also be picked up while on dak and in railway horse-boxes.
Therefore it would be for the general good if congregation of horses could be discouraged,
at any rate until some sort of general veterinary system can be devised
In an infected district it is extremely desirable that no outside horse or pony should be
accommodated in any stable nor be allowed to make use of any stable gear but his own.
Aninals on dak should be tied up under a tree or in specially made chuppa stables.
Daily inspection by the owner should be made of all his horses, and any animals which
appear to him at all suspected should be isolated for a time. Should suspicion be confirmed,
he should report at once.
An animal from a glandered stable should be isolated for not less than four months and
frequently inspected by a veterinary practitioner, but if it is tested with mallein and does not
react it need not be isolated, providing it does not come in contact with Glanders again.
The best place in which to isolate an animal is in the open under a chuppa roof ; should
the animal turn out to have Glanders, the whole thing can be burned.
Needless to say the picketting pegs should be "buried" in the ground, and the ropes and
shackles should be of good strong material.
It is desirable that no horse should be destroyed for Glanders until it has been seen by a
Veterinary Assistant under the Act, as sometimes a horse is destroyed by mistake which has
not got Glanders, and avoidable trouble and alarm ensues.
As. Glanders is a disease which may be caught by human beings, care should be exercised
in the selection of syces who are to have charge of suspicious cases. They should have no
wounds about them, and be cautioned.
Unnecessary grooming and handling should for the same reason be discouraged. The
practice of wiping away nasal discharge by means of dusters, rags and sponges should be put
a stop to. If the discharge be slight, it may be left alone ; if profuse, it may be removed
with a piece of soft hay, which should be immediately burned.
DISINFECTION OF GLANDERED STABLES, &c.
In the case of a building of little value, it is undoubtedly safer to demolish it or to use
it for some other purpose, but not for the storage of fodder.