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114
TUBERCULOSIS.
SYMPTOMS IN THE LIVING ANIMALS.
In the early stages of this disease the majority of animals may appear to
be in perfect health, there being no symptoms which would lead a veterinary
surgeon, farmer or butcher to say definitely that the animal was suffering
from Tuberculosis, although those in constant attendance on the animal
would notice that at times they appear to be out of sorts and have a
disinclination for their food, and occasionally after feeding, especially if the
lungs are the seat of the disorder, the animal has a sharp, irritable cough, but
as the disease advances in many cases the symptoms become more pronounced
and more obvious to those attending and feeding the animals; there is often
enlargement of the glands of the throat, the nose becomes dry and the eyes
have a glassy appearance and often appear to sink in the socket; the cough
becomes more frequent, the coat dry and staring, and the hide tight; the
animals also often suffer from intermittent diarrhœa. On tapping the chest
of an animal in this condition with the fingers, there will often be found a
dulness, or a sound of solidity in patches over the region of the lungs, and
the animal gradually loses flesh.
When the udder is affected, small nodular swellings can be felt in one or
more of the quarters; these gradually enlarge and run together until the
whole quarter or quarters become a diseased mass; this differs from ordinary
Mammatis or Garget, inasmuch as there is little or no pain on pressure and
the swellings gradually increase.
Should the owner of cattle find an animal exhibiting any of the above
symptoms, it is his duty, in the interests of the community at large, to seek
the advice of his veterinary surgeon, who will be able to satisfy him as to
the condition of the animal, either by the symptoms present or by the use of
Tuberculin.
JAMES KING, M.R.C.V.S.,
Veterinary Inspector to the Corporation of London.
January, 1903.