BLOOD POISONING.
—When blood poisoning results from the entrance of bacteria into the circulation, it is termed septic infection. This means that the disease may be communicated to a healthy animal by inoculation. Thus, an operator in making a post portem examination may bring on blood poisoning because of an accidental prick of the skin. An animal may step on a nail or get a splinter in a muscle or under the skin, and become self-inoculated, in time becoming affected with septic infection. Consequently bacteria are the direct inducing factors. The chemical poisons produced as a result of the work of these bacteria, as those of putrefaction, may induce what is known as septicæmia. On the other hand where pus is produced, as in the abscesses which follow upon neglected wounds in joints, a form of blood poisoning is produced known as pyæmia. In either case blood poisoning may result, become very serious and may cause the death of the victim.
At first chills may be noticed, then a rise of temperature, quick respiration, rapid but weak pulse, and much prostration. All the time the appetite is disappearing, until it becomes lost. The mucous membranes of the eyes and nose take on a yellowish, red tint often showing spots or blotches of blood and the tongue becomes coated and clammy.
Quick treatment is necessary in every case of blood poisoning. As soon as noticed, the source should be treated with disinfectants, thereby arresting the supply of morbid matter. A strict employment of antiseptics, so as to destroy the bacteria, is the first essential. We look upon the prick from a rusty nail, or wound from a wire fence, or a dirty stable splinter, as matters of frequent occurrence, yet a great deal of danger lurks among these. They should be avoided as much as possible and in all cases immediately treated. As soon as the poison is admitted to the blood or tissue, the disease germs multiply and soon are present in great numbers. Had the wound been cleansed with an antiseptic like carbolic acid in the beginning, it would have been a simple matter and the poison would have been neutralized, and the ingress of the invaders made unattractive, if not altogether impossible.
In all cases of blood poisoning, look to a systematic and constant application of suitable lotions to the injured parts, to careful nursing, and to nourishing food. If the appetite has completely departed, it is often advisable to force food like eggs and milk into the stomach, so that the strength of the patient may never be dissipated or weakened. With this treatment should go pure fresh air, cleanliness and much sunshine. It usually is advisable to call a veterinarian as early as possible.
BOG SPAVIN
The bulging outward of the soft tissues of the hock joint is due to the secretion of joint oil or lubricating liquid in abnormal amounts.