Common Diseases of Farm AnimalsCraig, Robert Alexander
Science
Common Diseases of Farm Animals
Craig, Robert Alexander
Veterinary medicine
SYMPTOMS.--There is no one symptom by which we may recognize tuberculosis
in cattle and hogs. None of the symptoms shown by a tubercular animal are
characteristic, unless it is in the late stage of the disease. In a
well-cared-for animal, the lymphatic glands in the different regions of the
body, the lungs, liver and other organs, may be full of tubercles without
causing noticeable symptoms of disease (Fig. 89).
[Illustration: FIG. 89.--A tubercular cow. This cow was, to all
appearances, in good health, but showed generalized tuberculosis on
post-mortem examination.]
_Tuberculosis may attack any organ of the body_, and in the different cases
of the disease the symptoms may vary. Enlargement of the glands in the
region of the throat, and noisy, difficult breathing are sometimes present.
The udder frequently shows hard lumps scattered through the gland. Bloating
may occur if a diseased gland in the chest cavity presses on the oesophagus
and prevents the usual passage of gas from the paunch. Chronic diarrhoea
may occur. If the disease involves the digestive tract, the animal is
unthrifty and loses flesh rapidly. Coughing is not a characteristic
symptom, and we should not place too much emphasis on it. If the lungs
become tubercular the animal usually has a slight, harsh cough. The cough
is first noticed when the cattle get up after lying down, when the stable
is first opened in the morning and when the animals are driven. If the
chest walls are thin, soreness from pressure on the ribs may be noted. By
applying the ear to the chest wall and listening to the lung sounds,
absence of respiratory murmurs and abnormal sounds may be distinguished,
due to consolidation of the lung tissue, abscess cavities and pleural
adhesions. In a well-advanced case the hair is rough, the skin becomes
tight and the neck thin and lean. The animal may breathe through the mouth
when it is exercised. Weakness may be a prominent symptom.
[Illustration: FIG. 90.--Tubercular spleens.]
Breeding animals that are well fed and cared for may live for several years
before showing noticeable symptoms of tuberculosis. The disease progresses
more rapidly in milch cows, especially if given poor care. Calves allowed
to nurse a tubercular mother that is giving off tubercle bacilli frequently
develop enlarged throat glands and the intestinal form of the disease.
Hogs develop a generalized form of tuberculosis more quickly than cattle,
but an unthrifty, emaciated condition is seldom noted in hogs under ten
months old.
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