It is sometimes difficult to diagnose the disease. The ulcers on the nasal mucous membranes and elsewhere are very characteristic, and when present enable the examiner to form a diagnosis. In cases of doubt, a bacteriological examination of the nasal discharge may be made, or we may resort to one or several of the various diagnostic tests. The Mallein test is quite commonly used. The sterilized products of a culture of the _B. mallei_ are injected beneath the skin of the suspected animal. This causes a rise in body temperature and a hot, characteristic swelling at the point of injection in glandered animals. [Illustration: FIG. 116.--_Streptococcus pyogenes equi_.] _Treatment is not recommended_ at the present time. Nearly all of the States have laws which aim to stamp out the disease wherever found by killing all affected animals, and thoroughly disinfecting the stables, harness and everything which has been near the animal. Diseased animals should be carefully isolated until slaughtered, and all animals exposed to them should be subsequently tested for glanders. CONTAGIOUS PLEUROPNEUMONIA (STABLE PNEUMONIA).--This is an infectious disease of solipeds that usually results in a fatal inflammation of the lungs and pleural membrane. Many writers have described this disease as associated with influenza, but it is frequently seen as a separate disease, usually involving only the lungs and pleurae. It is prevalent in several parts of the United States, more particularly the horse centers or large markets, where it appears in the form of epidemics. In several of these localities it is known as western or stable fever. _The specific cause is not definitely known_. The _Streptococcus pyogenes equi_ (Fig. 116) is very commonly present. This germ grows in the diseased tissues. The disease is spread by direct or indirect contact, as when well or susceptible animals are placed in the same stable with an animal affected with the disease, or in stalls which have recently held diseased animals. _The period of incubation_ is from four to ten days following exposure. _The symptoms_ are those commonly seen at the beginning of an attack of simple pneumonia and pleurisy. They consist of chills, high fever, cough, depression, difficult and labored breathing and loss of appetite. The disease usually runs a course of from one to three weeks. The death-rate is thirty per cent or more. _The treatment_ is mainly preventive. Stables where horses having pleuropneumonia have been kept should be cleaned and disinfected by spraying the floors, stalls and walls with a four per cent water solution of a cresol disinfectant. It is advisable to subject all newly-purchased animals to a short quarantine period before allowing them to mix with the other animals in the stable. Exposed animals may be given a protective serum. _The curative treatment_ is the same as recommended for the treatment of simple pneumonia and pleurisy. QUESTIONS