Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1900-08-02

Bulletin 80 OF the virginia ExpoSl-
mont Station, relative to the compll-
cations that are likely to follow
equine distempsr, says: The avsrase
duration Of equine distemper IL
from SIX to ten days. When
resolution begins the appetite re-
turns; the bowels become nor
man; the swelling disappears; the
general condition is improved and
health is restored within one or two
weeks. In a small number OF cases
this regular course is interrupted oy
complications, which may be caused
by hard work or exposure at the time
when the first symptoms of the dis
ease are discovered, or as is more COM
monty the case, by infection with some
other bacteria.
These complications are, first, pyro-
genie distemper, also called strangles,
bastard strangles, colt distemper and
many others. 1t is due to an infection
of the already infamed mucous mem
brane by a pus-forming bacterium,
and is characterized by an intermit-
tent fever, swelling, tumefaction and
the formation of an abcess in the In
termaxillary space, involving the sub
maxillary gland, and the neighbor1ng
lymphatics; by greater difficulty In
breathing and swallowing, and by
rapid emaciation.
With proper attention this complica-
ton, as rule, runs regular course.
The assesses come to head and
burst, and the horse RECEIVERS more or
less rapidly. But in some cases, es-
pecially those which are not treated or
are exposed to severe weather, or hard
work, the symptoms may increase in
severity, the abscess or assesses may
rupture internally instead of external
ly, giving rise to general infection
and causing death by blood poisoning,
or septicaemia.
Second complication-Pneu
Caused either by the extension of the
catarrhal Inflammation into the small
bronchial tubes and air cells, causing
catarrhal pneumonia, or by infection
by the form OF bacteria, causing
croupous pneumonia. When this COM
plication arises the respiration be-
comes much more frequent, the cough
is more troublesome and painful in
character, and respiratory sounds are
heard over the region of the thorax.
This infammatory process may only
extend as far as the throat, when the
cough and difficult swallowing and
swelling will be the chief characteris-
tics.
Third complication-Card asthe-
mia, or heart weakness. The heart
beat becomes more rapid and feeble.
its action is palpitating. The pulse
is accelerated, small and almost i'm
perceptible. The weak condition Of
the heart produces passive hyperae-
mia, which in turn causes the swell
ing in the various parts Of the body
as before mentioned.
Fourth Observation-Disclosures of
the catarrhal process to the meninges,
or covering of the brain and spinal
cord, giving rise to a cerebro-sp spinal
meningitis, or an extension to the
brain substance itself, causing an en-
cephalitis. In some outbreaks the true
disease may be entirely overlooked
until the nervous complications aD-
pear. The animal generally becomes
more or less excited at first. nervous
and restless. This is followed by a
period Of stupidity, the animal ceases
to notice anything, often refusing to
eat or drink, the gait becomes more
staggering and winding in character,
the urine is passed very frequently
and accompanied with more or less
straining. From this the animal may
become paralyzed, generally in the
posterior extremities, and death usual
ly brings relief in a short time. OF
course, these are cases which. seen
clearly and treated judiciously, make
very good recovery.
Fifth compl3eation-Severe diarrhoeA.
Adding to this the great exhaustion
that is usually produced by typical
attack, one can readily realize how
quickly the animal will succumb to
prostration and death.
Sixth plication-Founder. Due
to the extension Of Inflammation into
the sensitive and vascular tissue of the
feet. In this case lameness and stiff
ness are the characteristic symptoms
"