II. Actinomycosis. Though much more common in cattle than horses, yet the occasional occurrence of this in the face of the solipede must not pass unnoticed.
III. Sarcoma and Carcinoma. These are found growing from the periosteum, or even starting in the cancellated tissue and projecting into the nose, where they give rise to symptoms like those of fibrous polypi. Being much softer in texture and more liable to ulceration and degeneration they are likely to cause a much more offensive discharge. There is also more tendency to the implication of the submaxillary lymphatic glands. The only treatment is surgical and recurrence is always to be feared. (See Diseases of the Orbit.)
IV. Fatty Tumors of the nose are described by Röll and Gurlt as existing on the septum and in the sinuses. Being simple, they can be removed with great confidence as to nonrecurrence.
V. Osseous Tumors of the Nasal walls. These are described by Röll as osteophytes in the maxillary sinus in chronic catarrh, and by Gamgee as osteomata attached to the outer wall of the nasal chamber, which had to be detached by saw and bone forceps. I have found these latter of a soft porous structure easily detached by the knife, and in other cases dense and requiring, chisel, saw and forceps. In one instance the tumor grew from a dense hypertrophy of the maxillary bone which could not be entirely removed because the molar alveoli were implicated.
VI. Cysts named by Röll and others as present in the mucosa of the ethmoid cells in solipedes often contain larva of the strongylus armatus.
VII. Angioma may be but an exaggerated development of the abundant venous plexus and erectile tissue on the surface of the turbinated bones. There appears to be at other times an actual increase of the vascular tissue. As might be expected it has no abrupt margin, but gradually shades off into the healthy tissue. The prominent centre has a bluish red or brownish hue. It obstructs breathing, is apt to bleed under violent exertions in draught, or in contested races, and readily ulcerates with a bloody discharge. If it subsides and heals, it is followed by a whitish puckering like the so-called cicatrix of glanders.
CATARRH OF THE FRONTAL SINUSES IN CATTLE. CATARRH FROM TRAUMATISM.
Extent of sinuses in cattle. Causes, blows, unequal teams, locking horns, fracture. Pathology. Congestion, exudation, suppuration, swelling and closure of outlet, prostration, fever, agalactia, septic infection, ulceration, exclusion of oxygen. Symptoms. Crimson hæmorrhage, disturbed breathing, appetite, rumination, position of head and eyelids, percussion and temperature of forehead, fever. Chronic form. Slow progress, emaciation, anorexia, facial expression, hide, discharge, breath heavy or fœtid. Duration. Prognosis. Lesions in sinuses and glands. Treatment. Cold irrigation, icebags, elevation of head, laxatives, diuretics, dehorning, trephining, injections, astringent, antiseptic, blister, tonics.
The gravity of this affection is a consequence of the great extent of the delicate mucous membrane which lines the frontal sinus. This cavity not only occupies the whole forehead from beneath the eyes up to the frontal crest, but extends, in the mature horned animal, into the tapering bony process which forms the basis of support for the horn. The mucosa is rendered all the more extensive by the numerous pillars and septa that pass from the outer bony plate to the inner, giving great strength to the part for purposes of offense and defence. Inflammation of this membrane is usually the result of blows on the horns, and these are much more common among working oxen than dairy cows. The immediate cause is violent contact with the yoke when the head is lowered at pasture, and from blows of a club in the hands of the driver. In countries where the yoke is a broad padded board hung from the horns and resting on the forehead traumatic injuries are much more common. The active and vigorous animal gets the greater part of the work, and the wrench and jar may induce hæmorrhage and catarrh. If the yoke is ill-made or badly fitted the case is worse. The blows sustained by horn or forehead in an ordinary fight, may also be the cause, and a partial or complete fracture of the bony support is especially hurtful when the detached horn is replaced so as to close in the cavity. Blows on the frontal crest are also dangerous.
The pathology of the disease consists in an inflammation of the mucosa of the sinus, and the filling of that cavity with blood or, later, with a muco-purulent fluid, the escape of which is prevented by the closure of the nasal outlet by swelling. This of itself produces violent headache and much nervous disorder as witnessed by the drooping head, closed eyelids, prostration, high fever, anorexia, and in cows suppression of the milk secretion. But there is reason to believe that this is aggravated by the septic germs, which inspired with the air, were already present in the sinus, and which in the comparative absence of oxygen, in a rich culture medium and in contact with injured and debilitated tissues, assume an enhanced pathogenic rôle. This may serve to explain the ulceration of the mucosa of the sinus found in subjects that have suffered for some time. It further explains the notorious fact that the free access of air (oxygen) to the inflamed sinus is one of the most helpful therapeutic measures.