Rabbit and cat diseases

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VETERINARY MEDICINE SERIES
No. 13

Edited by D. M. Campbell, D. V. S. ’

RABBIT AND CAT
DISEASES

By

CHARLES GREATLEY SAUNDERS,
V.S:, B. V. Sc., D. S. O.,

Major in Canadian Army Veterinary Corps; Former Pro-
fessor Canine and Feline Medicine Ontario Veterinary
College; Author of “Canine Medicine, and Sur-
gery,’ “Equine Operative Surgery; Former
Editor Canine Department American
Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Etc.

| CHICAGO
AMERICAN VETERINARY PUBLISHING CO.
1920

No5b673

Copyright 1919
By
American Veterinary Publishing Company

Introduction.

Domesticated rabbits, and this includes Bel-
gian hares, are not, as a rule, liable to many
diseases if the elementary principles of hygiene
are practiced, but great losses occur if these be
neglected and what should be a profitable in-
dustry becomes a loss to the investor. In spite
of their paucity in numbers the ailments of rab-
bits kept in confinement are usually of a serious

nature, often causing the loss of the entire
stock.

As the majority of diseases from which rab-
bits suffer are preventable or at least control-
lable, it is of the utmost importance that symp-
toms of disease be recognized as soon as they
become apparent, and that the correct methods
of dealing with the outbreak are taken. It is
suggested that, as the rabbit industry is assum-
ing important proportions, not only in the
production of fancy lines but for the purpose
of food production, veterinarians devote
some of their energies to combating the dis-
eases that are bound to increase in prevalence
in proportion to the numbers of rabbits raised.
It is hoped that the information contained in
this little work will not only assist the veteri-
narian in dealing with outbreaks of disease
among rabbits, but stimulate further research

work, and so encourage the development of an
important industry. Many would-be raisers
of rabbits or Belgian hares are deterred from
_ embarking on the undertaking owing to the

risk of losing their stock from ailments which
to them are mysterious. Others already i in the
business would be only too glad to obtain
advice and pay for it if the veterinarian was in
a position to offer a solution to the problem of
preventing or controlling the ravages of dis-
ease. Unfortunately the diseases of rabbits are
but very lightly touched upon in veterinary
schools and to cover his ignorance the veteri-
narian too often pretends that it is beneath his
dignity to treat a rabbit. From both the eco-
nomic and professional aspect this is a mistake.
The value of the rabbit as food is considerable,
and from a professional point of view a veteri-
narian should be competent and eager to com-
bat disease irrespective of the animal which it
attacks.

It was also thought appropriate to include
in the work a consideration of diseases of the
cat, Part II being devoted to some special
clinical and therapeutic notes on this subject.
Only comparatively recently has.the cat come
to be regarded as a clinical entity, having for-
merly been treated along the lines of canine
medication. However, clinical experience
with. the peculiar psychology of the feline ani-
mal and its idiosyncrasies in regard to certain

drugs led veterinarians who specialized in this
‘branch of veterinary medicine to conclude that

what is applicable to the dog is not necessarily

suitable for the cat. It is hoped that the dis-

cussion of the subject contained in this volume ~

may be of some help to veterinarians who are

called upon to treat feline patients.

C. G. SAUNDERS.
London, November, 1919.

TABLE OF CONTENTS |

Part I
Diseases of Rabbits

Chapter I, Consideration of the Rabbit in Health............
Appearance in Health; Method of Examination;

Feeding; Suitable Rations; Green Food; Water;
Hygiene. ;

Chapter II, Diseases of the Digestive Tract.-..c-2:ccc0-

Pytalism; Indigestion; Constipation; Hemorrhagic

Gastro-enteritis; Diarrhea Caused by Parasites; Par-
asites of the Digestive Tract. .

Chapter III, Coccidiosjs 0... csccsceceseqeessecevsesevseeseeeeeee
Life Cycle of the Eimeria Cuniculi; Modes of In-
fection; Symptomatology; Hepatic Coccidiosis; In-
testinal Coccidiosis; Nasal Coccidiosis, Malignant
Catarrh or Snuffles; Post-Mortem Lesions; Differen-
tial Diagnosis; Treatment.

Chapter IV, Rabbit Septicemia.... cles eeeceee eee

Hemorrhagic Septicemia of Rabbits; Etiology;
Symptoms; Post-Mortem Lesions; Treatment.

Chapter V, Miscellaneous Infectious Discases..................

Schmorl’s Disease (Necrobacillosis); Streptobacil-

lary Pseudotuberculosis; Contagious Urethritis and
Vaginitis; Tuberculosis.

Chapter VI, Diseases of the Skin... 000s

Dermatitis of the Hocks; Fleas; Lice; Acarina,

Mites; Psora or Mange; Psoroptic and Symbiotic
Mange; Ringworm.

Chapter VII, Obstetrics... ceeecececccccecceeeceseceeeeeetenteetenecseee
Breeding; Period of Gestation; Treatment of the
Expectant Mother; Number of Young; Parturition;
The Young Rabbits; Care of the Nursing Mother;
Weaning. .

9

39

Chapter VIII, Miscellaneous Diseases and Wounds...... 59

Anorexia; Catarrh or Coryza; Hematuria; Para-
plegia; Fits and Convulsions; Wounds.

Part II
Some Special Clinical and Therapeutic Notes on Diseases
of the Cat
Chapter I, General Consideration of the Feline Patient.. 69

Chapter II, Choice and Administration of Medicines
and Posology 73

Chapter III, Diseases of the Digestive System................ var
The Lips; The Teeth; Ulcerative Stomatitis; Ca-
tarrhal Stomatitis; Acute Pharyngitis; Acute Peri-
pharyngeal Abscesses; Gastritis and Gastroenteritis;
Ptomain Poisoning; Foreign Bodies in the Stomach;
Parasites of the Alimentary Canal.

Chapter IV, Contagious Diseases 99
Feline Distemper; Feline Diphtheria; Tuberculosis.

Chapter V, External Parasites and Diseases of the -
Skin 111
Pediculosis or Lousiness; Fleas; Mange; Otodectic

Mange or Ear Mange; Dermatomycosis.

PART I
Diseases of Rabbits

Cuapter I

CONSIDERATION OF THE RABBIT
IN HEALTH

Appearance In Health

The healthy rabbit has a bright, vivacious
manner, bright eye and a smooth coat. The
natural apertures of the body should be free
of catarrhal or other discharge and the skin
free from scurfiness or eruptions. The feces
should be hard and firm and rounded into pel-
lets. Signs of indisposition are anorexia, lassi-
tude, and an inclination to separate from its
companions. The normal temperature of the
rabbit is 100.85° F. (88.25° C.) The charac-
ter and rate of the pulse vary so greatly that
for purposes of diagnosis no reliance can be
placed on them; the same applies to the rate of
respiration, the mere excitement of handling
and examination being sufficient in itself to
cause such changes in rate and character as to
be misleading.

Method of Examination
In making an examination of a rabbit either
for a would-be purchaser or for diagnostic
purposes, it is as well to adopt a regular rou-
tine and go over the animal carefully and
minutely. The popular method of lifting a

rabbit by the ears is an ordeal that no rabbit
: : 9

10 DISEASES OF RABBITS

should be expected to undergo; in heavy ani-
mals it is gross cruelty and should never be
practiced; the correct method is to grasp the
rabbit by the loose skin over the shoulders and
with heavy animals both hands should be used,
one grasping the skin as above mentioned, the
_ other placed under the hindquarters: A vicious
rabbit can inflict a nasty injury with its teeth
and also use its claws to some advantage so that
a certain amount of circumspection is advis-
able in handling such cases.

Notice should be taken as to whether or not
there are symptoms of nasal catarrh, ‘conjunc-
tivitis, discharge from the vulva, or penis. The
ears should be inspected for canker. The skin
should be examined by turning the hair back,
for eruptions, mange, lice and fleas.

The teeth should be examined for irregular-
ities, ete. The age may be determined approx-
imately by the following points. In the y young
animal the teeth are bluish white, in aged ani-
mals the teeth become elongated and yellow.
The toe nails in animals under one year do not
project beyond the fur; at eighteen months
they:.project beyond the fur but: are nearly
straight. After two years old the nails are
longer and decidedly curved and the length
and curvature increase with age. A young
specimen can also be detected: by feeling with
the nail whether the epiphysis of one of the

THE RABBIT IN HEALTH 11

long bones has become ossified or is still con-
nected with the shaft by cartilage. The above
are only very rough indications as to age but
as far as they go are useful and reliable.

Feeding

There are many popular superstitions in the
matter of the feeding of rabbits, but as in the
case of all animals success depends not so much
on the precise nature of the food stuffs as upon
the correct ratio of digestible alouminoids, fats
and carbohydrates, contained in them. The
correct proportion for young rabbits and nurs-
ing does is proteins 1, carbohydrates 4 to 5.
Rabbits fed on a diet deficient in proteins, ac-
quire a voracious appetite but at the same time
fall off in condition or fail to develop, becoming
weakly and stunted. The fault most generally
committed in feeding rabbits is to feed a ration
with a deficiency of proteins with the results
enumerated above. On the other hand a ration
with protein in excess of the requirements of |
the individual is an extravagant one and seri- °
ously reduces the profits of the enterprise.
The quantity of food consumed by the average
rabbit may be estimated at two ounces daily
per pound weight but it must be understood
that this estimate applies only to the correctly
balanced ration. In addition it should be re-
membered that the younger the rabbit the
higher must be the proportion of proteins in

12 DISEASES OF RABBITS

its diet, that nursing does require more liberal
ration and that rabbits require one third more
food in winter than in summer.

Suitable Rations

For adult rabbits of medium size give: Hay
three ounces, roots eight ounces, and one to two
ounces (dry) of a mixture composed of equal
parts of bran, soy bean meal, or decorticated
cotton seed meal, or bean meal or pea meal, or
linseed meal or maize gluten, mixed together
with sufficient water to form a crumbly mash.
The quality of the hay must be taken into con-
sideration; clover and alfalfa hay contain a
greater proportion of digestible albuminoids
than ordinary meadow hay.

Green Food

In summer an adult rabbit of medium size
will consume from two pounds to four pounds
of fresh cut meadow grass a day and during
the mid-summer months will require little else,
but after August the grass should be supple-
mented until the full ration is reached in Octo-
ber. A mixture of any of the common garden
vegetables may be given with advantage but
potato halums (tops) and the halums (vines)
of runner beans must be avoided. Rabbits
should be fed twice daily and the food should
be varied, that is the meal should not consist
of, say, cabbage leaves only, but of mixed vege-
table leaves, etc.

THE RABBIT IN HEALTH 13

Water

There is a persistent idea that rabbits should
not have access to water; this is a mistake,
and a pan of water should always be kept in
the hutch. It should be needless to point out
that only pure water should be used as para-
sitisms and contagious diseases may be spread
by contaminated water.

Hygiene

To keep rabbits healthy, their hutches must
be kept scrupulously clean, remove soiled lit-
ter daily and clean the hutches themselves,
thoroughly at least three times a week. If
this is done much is accomplished in preventing
the infection of the inmates with the ova of
the Eimeria -cuniculi. Rabbits should be kept
dry, and should not be exposed to draughts.
They should receive a plentiful supply of fresh
air, from over head ventilation. They should
be protected from strong winds and from the
full glare of the summer sun. Rats and mice
should be excluded from the rabbitry as they
are potential carriers of disease.

The purchase of old or second hand hutches
is undesirable, because of the danger of intro-
ducing disease into the rabbitry, and in any
case these if they are bought should be thor-
oughly disinfected before use.

The ova of the Eimeria cuniculi are extreme-
ly resistant to ordinary disinfectants and th~

14 DISEASES OF RABBITS

hutches should first of all be scrubbed out with
boiling water and strong lye, then rinsed with
boiling water and finally dried with a gasoline
blow torch. Particular care should be taken
to scrape out all cracks and crannies and to —
ensure that the boiling water penetrates to all
these recesses.

Rabbits showing the slightest sign of illness
should not be purchased and all additions to
the rabbitry should be quarantined for at least
fifteen days.

Contagion may be introduced by bucks used
for service and it is advisable to make sure that
the buck is free from any form of disease or
parasitic affection, and also that the rabbitry
from which he comes or to which the doe is
sent, likewise has a clean bill of health.

It should be noted that a very large per-
centage of adult rabbits are carriers of coc-
cidiosis, even if showing no symptoms of dis-
ease and on that account it is undesirable that
young and adult rabbits inhabit the same hutch
or run and for the same reason that the hutches
be kept free of accumulations of feces.

In shipping rabbits for show or sale, care
should be taken to provide a box with sufficient
room and ventilation and to make sure that
points of nails or tacks with which the labels
are attached, do not project on the inside, as
this is frequently a source of injury. The bot-

THE RABBIT IN HEALTH 15

tom of the box should be covered with sawdust
and a good layer of hay laid down on the top
of it. In addition food should be provided in
the shape of a crust of bread, a carrot or two or
slice of a root; food such as lettuce or cabbage
leaves that are likely to ferment should not be
used.

Rabbits suffer greatly from fatigue after a
journey or a show and require several days’
rest to recover. Upon the completion of a
journey or return from a show the rabbit
should be given a drink of water, and a feed
of green stuff and then allowed to rest. ‘The
same precautions as to quarantine should be
taken with rabbits returning from a show as
with fresh arrivals, as shows are great dissem-
inators of disease.

Lastly, it should always be remembered that
in dealing with rabbits prophylaxis is more
productive of results than treatment.

Cuapter IJ.

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE
TRACT

In well managed rabbitries diseases of the
organs of digestion, apart from parasitic and
bacterial infections, are the exception rather
than the rule, and are seldom fatal, producing
only a transitory illness that with appropriate
treatment and the removal of the cause, ends
with rapid recovery. Individuals only, are as
. a rule, affected and the prevalence of a num-
ber of cases showing severe symptoms and a
large mortality, indicate that one has to deal
with something far more serious than a simple
digestive disorder.

The only points of special interest in the
digestive apparatus of the rabbit is the posses-
sion of a well developed vermiform appendix,
and that after death the stomach carries on its
digestive functions to the extent of digesting
its own walls. This latter point should be
taken into consideration when making post
mortem examinations or an erroneous diag-
nosis may be made. The practical application
of this-rather curious phenomenon, is that rab-
bits should be gutted immediately when killed
for market or for the table.

Pytalism
Excessive flow of saliva is a symptom of de-

fective or irregular teeth, stomatitis, either
. 17

18 DISEASES OF RABBITS

produced by irritant medicines and foods, or
in connection with simple digestive ‘troubles.
It is a symptom also of the more fatal diseases
caused by parasitical and bacterial infections.

Treatment.—This depends upon the cause;
irregularities of the teeth should be corrected
by smoothing off the projecting points with a
file or the extraction of projecting ones. It is
not advisable to cut off projecting teeth as the
pulp cavity is thereby opened and severe pain
occasioned and later on the tooth decays.
Medicines should be properly diluted and food
of an irritating nature withheld, mild mouth
washes may consist of dilute potassium per-
manganate or potassium chlorate solutions, or
hydrogen peroxide 1 to 5 or alum or tincture
of myrrh. _

Indigestion

Indigestion is usually caused by inappro-
priate diet, such as a too plentiful supply of
wet green stuff, want of variety in the ration,
debility caused by unhealthy surroundings,
cold and wet.

The symptoms are dullness, restlessness,
colicky pains, tympanites and often diarrhea.
If occurring in young animals, a microscopic
examination of the feces should be made as it
is necessary to differentiate simple digestive
disturbance due to errors of diet from coccidio-
sis. The absence of more urgent and multiple

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE TRACT 19

symptoms will differentiate this condition from
the graver bacterial infections.

-Treatment.—The patient should be isolated
and placed in a sheltered and comfortable |
hutch. Green food should be withheld and a
concentrated dry diet substituted. If tympany
is the predominant symptom it should be re-
lieved by a dose of Ol. terebinthinae min. v
in Ol. ricini, drams i; this may be repeated in
a couple of hours if relief is not obtained. If
diarrhea is present, the turpentine should be
omitted and Tr. opii'and Tr. catechu as min.
v, substituted; if persistent Dover’s powder
grs. v, twice daily, may be given and sulpho-
- earbolates of calcium, zinc and sodium dis-
solved in the drinking water or dissolved in the
_ water with which the mash is mixed. One one-
thousandth grain doses of copper sulphate will
often correct a diarrhea in young rabbits. It
needs to be frequently repeated.

Constipation

Constipation is of rare occurrence in the rab-
bit and is invariably the result of dietetic
errors, such as a too highly concentrated ration,
lack of sufficient green food, deprivation of
water, lack of moisture in the food, etc.

Treatment: The diet must be corrected
and a supply of green stuff given, such as
_ grass, clover, vetches, chicory, kale, cabbage
leaves. A laxative of Tr. Rhei compound

20 ? DISEASES OF RABBITS

min. x should be given daily until the bowels
resume their normal functions.

Hemorrhagic Gastro-Enteritis (see Rabbit
Septicemia)
Diarrhea Caused by Parasites; (see Parasites
and Coccidiosis. )
Parasites of the Digestive Tract

The parasites of the rabbit’s digestive tract
are not particularly numerous and with the ex-
ception of the coccidia, are not productive of
great systemic disturbances unless the infesta-
tion is very heavy. On the other hand in heavy
infestations the death rate is high and the rec-
ognition of the situation is necessary in order
to prevent as far as possible further loss.

Coccidial invasions are so prevalent and of
such importance that a special chapter is de-
voted to the consideration of this disease.

The strongyles are next in importance, and
often cause great mortality, especially amongst
rabbits raised on the Morant system. Wild |
rabbits are also victims to strongyle infesta-
tions. Overstocking of warrens, feeding food
grown on land fertilized with rabbit manure
and contaminated water are the etiological fac-

tors.
. STRONGYLOSIS

The most important strongyle of the rabbit
is the S. strigosus which can be recovered from
the intestinal contents by diluting them with
salt solution, breaking up the lumps so as to

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE TRACT 21

produce a liquid of soup-like consistency, and
fishing for the worms with a needle set in a
penholder such as is used for teasing histolog-
ical specimens. The strongyle is of small
dimensions, filiform and reddish pink in color.
Heavy infestation causes wasting, diarrhea,
sometimes epileptiform convulsions and death
from anemia and exhaustion.

Treatment: As in all strongyloses, treatment
is unsatisfactory but should be attempted.
Ferri carbonatis saccharata should be given in
five grain doses every morning and a generous
diet and free access to salt should be allowed.
As regards prevention, all droppings must be
burned and food grown on ground manured
with rabbit manure, discarded or cooked before
use. Rabbits should be kept off infected
ground until it has received a liberal dressing
of salt, 1000 pounds to the acre.

The Trichocephalus unguiculus is also found
in the cecum and large intestine but appears to
be innocuous.

The Oxyuris ambigua is s found in the rec-
- tum, and is sometimes seen hanging to the
fur in the anal region. This parasite appar-
ently causes no ailment and is unimportant.

TAPE WORMS
Cestodes are not often met with in the do-
mestic rabbit; usually the Cittotaenia ctenoides
is the one most commonly found. Heavy in-

/

22 DISEASES OF RABBITS

festation causes unthriftyness, emaciation, and
general debility, but the appetite remains nor-
mal or may be increased.

Treatment: This consists in starving the
rabbit over night and giving a teniacide first
thing’ in the morning. Ethereal extract of
Felix mas five to ten minims in two drams of
glycerin and followed in one hour by a saline
purge such as magnesium sulphate grains xi in
‘one ounce of water is effectual.

The rabbit is also the intermediate host for
the larval form of two tapeworms of the dog,
viz., the Taenia serialis and the Taenia serrata.
The cystic form of Taenia serrata, the Cysti-
cercus pistiformis establishes itself between the
layers of the peritoneum; it may also be found
in the peritoneal cavity and occasionally at-
tached to the surface of the liver. It is without
clinical interest.

The Coenurus serialis, the cystic form of the
T. serialis is found in the subcutaneous con-
nective tissues, between the muscles, anl some-
times in the eye. Unless in great numbers and
in some unfavorable situation the host suffers
no inconvenience, but as the presence of the
bladders depreciate the market value of the
animal, the bladders should be removed when
accessible. This is effected by a very simple
surgical operation, which is carried out as fol-
lows:

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE TRACT 23

It is desirable to extract the bladder without
rupturing it as sometimes the rupture of the
bladder complicates its removal. The skin
over the bladder, after clipping away the fur,
is painted with tincture of iodin, a small fold
picked up with dressing forceps and the fold
snipped transversely with the points of a pair
of scissors; the bladder is now grasped with the
forceps and gently extracted, and to prevent |
the possibility of ingestion by a dog, burnt.
Dogs on the same premises with rabbits should
receive treatment for tapeworms and should
not be fed with carcasses of rabbits infested
with the cystic forms. Stray dogs should be
kept off the premises as much as possible.

Cuapter [IT

COCCIDIOSIS

This is by far the most important disease of
the rabbit, both on account of its prevalence
and on account of the variety of the lesions
produced. As stated before, adult rabbits are
often the carriers of coccidia without showing
any symptoms themselves. Young rabbits are
generally the victims of their inroads and the
mortality is usually very high. In order to
appreciate the full significance of the covcidia,
a working knowledge of the life history is es-
sential, and for that reason a short description
is given.

The coccidia belong to the phylum Protozoa,
class Sporozoa or telosporidia, order Coccidi-
idae. The life cycle is completed by asexual
and sexual generations. There are four gen-
era, members of which attack mammals, inver-
tebrates and fish. The genus which we have
to consider here is the Eimeria, members of
which chiefly attack vertebrates, man included.

Life Cycle of the Eimeria Cuniculi
The adult coccidium is ovoid in form and
consists of a chitinous shell which is smooth and
fairly thick and which at its narrowest pole
shows a small indentation, the micropyle. The
micropyle communicates with the granular pro-

toplasm within the shell and is the means of
25

26 DISEASES OF RABBITS

ingress for the male element in fertilization.
The extreme length is 40 to 49 microns, width
22 to 28 microns. In unfertilized adults the
protoplasm fills the shell but when fertilization
has taken place the protoplasm collects into a
spherical mass in the center of the shell and
develops a central nucleus. This constitutes
an oocyst which is the last stage of develop-

ment in the liver. The oocysts pass into the ©
intestine from the liver and are evacuated with
’ the feces. Under favorable conditions of
warmth and moisture, the protoplasm of the
oocyst splits up into two and then four sporo-
blasts. Each sporoblast then becomes
elongated in form and becomes a sporocyst,
which subsequently undergoes division to form
two sporozoites, the remaining unused small
mass of protoplasm being termed the residual
body. There are thus developed eight spores
or sporozoites, or falciform bodies as they are
sometimes termed, from one fertilized adult.
The whole process takes about a week, and this
knowledge is of practical importance as if the
hutches are cleaned out twice weekly, no sporo-
zoites can be ingested by other individuals and
the disease spread. The development of the
fertilized oocyst must attain the sporocyst and
sporozoite stage outside the body as if ingested
before that has taken place, development
ceases. If the sporocyst containing the sporo-

COCCIDIOSIS 27

zoites be taken into the body of a rabbit with
the food, the envelope is dissolved by the pan-
creatic juice and the sporozoites set free. The
sporozoites are actively motile and penetrate
the epithelial cells of the intestine or bile ducts,
entering the protoplasm of the cell and push-
ing its nucleus to one side and assuming a
spherical shape. This sphere which develops
at the expense of the invaded cell is now called
a schizont; it has no enveloping membrane but
contains a large alveolus or vacuole. By a
process of asexual multiplication, the schizont
produces from ten to fifteen nucleated and fal-
ciform bodies, which again subdivide into
daughter cells, which arrange themselves
around the periphery of the mother cell, pre-
senting the appearance of the quarters of an
orange. The schizont then splits up, and the
contents which are now termed merozoites are
set free. The merozoites are motile and wan-
der free in the intestine; some perish but others
invade fresh cells and repeat the process of
schizont formation by which other merozoites
are produced. It is this repeated invasion of
cells and rapid multiplication of individuals
that account for the rapid development of the
disease and the lesions produced.

The above process is termed schizogony.
There appears to be a limit to the duration of
schizogony, and when this is reached the mero-

28 DISEASES OF RABBITS

zoites after invading the cells become trans-
formed into male and female elements, respec-
tively termed microgametes and macrogametes.
The macrogamete develops slowly from the
merozoite. Its nucleus contains a karyosome,
which later becomes expelled. The granules of
its protoplasm become ranged around the peri-
phery and form an enveloping membrane with
amicropyle. At this stage it is ovoid in form .
and escapes from the cell and lies on the sur-

face of the epithelium and is ready for fertiliza-

tion.

The microgamete is produced in a slightly
different manner. The merozoite loses its en-
veloping membrane and granular protoplasm.
Its nucleus contains a large karyosome. The
nucleus by subdivision becomes split up into a
number of daughter nuclei which become flat-
tened, elongated and comma-shaped and finally
develop two flagella. The microgametes, which
bear a great resemblance to the spermatozoa
of the higher animals, become detached from
the parent merozoite, which in this stage is
called a microgametocyte, and become free
moving organisms. Chemotaxic influence of.
the macrogamete attracts a microgamete which
enters the micropyle of the macrogamete and
fertilizes it. Themicropyle closes immediately
the microgamete has entered so that only one
male element is concerned in fertilization. The

COCCIDIOSIS 29

fertilized — macrogamete is now termed an
oocyst, which on being passed out of the body
repeats the cycle which has just been described.

Modes of Infection

From the above description of the rapid de-
velopment of the organism, one can understand
that once introduced into a rabbitry the disease
may spread with extreme rapidity. As before
stated, it.is introduced into a rabbitry by in-
fected rabbits, hutches, food, travelling baskets
and crates, etc. The disease attacks rabbits of
all ages, but young rabbits from the ages
of four to eight weeks old appear to be the
most susceptible. It may also attack the young
before weaning... '\Warm weather and. a humid
atmosphere are most favorable for its spread,
and it is not so prevalent i in very hot and dry,
or during dry and frosty weather, Damp and
wet living quarters and runs are most favor-
able to. its rapid spread, partly because such
conditions are favorable to the development of
the organism and partly owing to the lower ed
resistance of the animals that such conditions
produce.

. Syiipiothatology

‘The symptoms depend greatly on the inten-
sity of the invasion and also whether the liver
or the intestines are the most heavily infested.
In any case the symptoms so merge themselves
into one another that it is not always possible

30 DISEASES OF RABBITS

to determine the different degrees of infesta-
tion as described in the literature on the sub-
ject, but for convenience of description, it is
advisable to differentiate hepatic, intestinal and
nasal coccidiosis.
Hepatic Coccidiosis

In light infestations symptoms sometimes do
not develop and the condition is found only
post mortem. When the infestation is heavy,
however, the animal becomes dull, shows lassi-
tude, appetite poor, fur dull, rough and easily
pulled out, gradually becomes emaciated, the
abdomen ascitic (pot belly), staggering gait,
often convulsions and death after a few weeks.
There is always a profuse diarrhea and the
feces are swarming with parasites.

Intestinal Coccidiosis

When the intestines are heavily infested the
disease usually takes a more acute course,
sometimes carrying off young individuals in a
few hours after symptoms showing dullness,
apathy, anorexia and coma. In these cases the
disease may be mistaken for hemorrhagic sep-
ticemia, and as coccidiosis is often coexistent
with that infection, it is possible to obtain a
definite diagnosis only by bacteriological meth-
ods. In less acute cases, the symptoms are
dullness, apathy, anorexia, emaciation, diar-
rhea and marasmus. In more chronic cases the
abdomen becomes ascitic, as no doubt the liver

COCCIDIOSIS 31

is also implicated, and there is a coexistent in-
festation of the liver and the intestines.
Nasal Coccidiosis, Malignant Catarrh
or Snuffles

This seldom occurs without intestinal cocci-
diosis being present at the same time. It may,
however, be coexistent with infectious rhinitis
and influenza. The nasal canals probably be-
come infected from the dung if the droppings
are not kept cleared away when the disease is
present in the intestinal or hepatic form. The
symptoms are dullness, appetite poor, fur dull
and rough, sneezing and a discharge from the
nose, at first serous and watery but later be-
coming mucoid and purulent. The nasal dis-
charge glues the nostrils together and soils the
fur on the breast and forelegs. There
is profuse salivation, which wets the
breast, shoulders and forefeet. There is
persistent coughing and _ sneezing and
the temperature gradually rises to 104°
F. to 105° F. The breathing becomes difficult
and later on abdominal, with much panting
and pumping. Emaciation and great weak-
ness set in and death during convulsions ter-
minates the animal’s suffering.

Post-Mortem Lesions

The blood is pale and watery, the tissues
anemic and pale. The liver is found enlarged,
showing on its exterior a number of raised

¢

32 DISEASES OF RABBITS

whitish-yellow nodules varying in size from
that of a millet seed to that of a peanut. Asa
rule the whole organ is involved, but in some
cases only one lobe may be affected. On sec-
tion of the liver the nodules are found to be dis-
tributed throughout the hepatic parenchyma,
sometimes to such an extent that there is very
little left of the liver substance. The nodules
contain a whitish, purulent fluid in which are
found coccidia, degenerated epithelial cells, fat
and crystals of cholesterin. The nodules are, in
fact, simply dilatations of the bile ducts. The
lumen of the bile ducts may be crowded with
coccidia in various stages of development,
broken down cells and leukocytes. The epithe-
lium of the ducts is found to be invaded with
the parasites and the submucosa infiltrated
with small round cells. Occasionally the gall
bladder is also invaded, causing thickening of
its walls and damage to the cells of its lining
epithelium. In very chronic cases the liver may
become completely cirrhosed with large cyst-
like cavities which are the remains of degener-
ated and obliterated bile ducts.

In the intestine the mucous membrane is
found studded with nodules of punctiform ap-
pearance, and in a state of catarrhal inflamma-
tion, covered with an exudate and showing
small areas of ulceration. The exudate con-
tains coccidia, degenerated epithelial cells and

COCCIDIOSIS 33

fat globules. The submucosa is in a state of
inflammation and round-celled infiltration, and
may contain coccidia. Immature coccidia may
also be found in the mesenteric glands.

In nasal coccidiosis the nasal and pharyngeal
mucous membrane is found to be in a state of
catarrhal inflammation covered with an orange
colored exudate which contains coccidia. The
eustachian tube may also be invaded and the
external auditory canal, the middle ear and the
tympanum. —

Differential Diagnosis

Coccidiosis may be mistaken for tuberculosis,
pseudo-tuberculosis and cysticercosis, and the
only reliable means of differentiation is by the
microscope, although the fact that the lesions
are confined to the liver and intestine is not
suggestive either of tuberculosis or pseudo-
tuberculosis, both of which diseases being found
to be more generalized.

Diagnosis during life is determined by the
clinical symptoms and the detection of the par-
asite during life, but in the cases of nasal cocci-
diosis the fact that it may be only a complica-
tion of some other disease should not be lost
sight of.

Treatment

Prophylaxis is by far the most important
and has been fully dealt with under the caption
hygiene.

34 DISEASES OF RABBITS

Medicinal treatment consists of iron tonic
and intestinal antiseptics, stimulants as re-
quired and cerebral sedatives if brain symp-
toms develop. Saccharated carbonates of iron
should be given in from five to ten grain doses.
Tincture of catechu, sulpho-carbolates of cal-
cium, zine and sodium, and Dover’s powder,
are especially indicated, and sodium bromide as
a cerebral sedative.

The appetite should be tempted with a
varied and sustaining diet, but fresh, wet, green
stuff should not be given; it should be allowed —
to wilt before being fed. In fact, fresh, wet,
green stuff should not under any circumstances
ever be fed to rabbits, as for some unexplained
reason it seems to favor the invasion of the
coccidia. There is no scientific explanation for
this fact, but the fact remains, and such diet
should be avoided. ;

The bodies of rabbits dying from coccidiosis
should invariably be cremated, not fed to dogs
or cats, or left lying on the manure heap, and
the dung from infected animals should not be
used as fertilizer.

CHAPTER [V.

RABBIT SEPTICEMIA
Hemorrhagic Septicemia of Rabbits

This disease, classed for convenience as a
pasteurellosis, makes its appearance in many
instances without the channel of infection be-
ing apparent, but in the majority of outbreaks
the contagion can be traced to infection from
individuals suffering from the disease and
passed on by feces, infected hutches, baskets,
etc. ;
. Etiology

The cause of rabbit septicemia is a bacte-
rium identical in its morphology, staining
properties, and cultivation with that of avian
cholera. It occurs as a small ovoid bacterium,
which stains well at either extremity but poorly
in its centre. It is Gram negative, grows well
on ordinary culture media, but assumes a dif-
ferent form than when recovered from the
blood or intestine. The bacilli grown on cul-
ture media are coccobacillus in form; those
isolated from the blood are ovoid, and those
from the intestine take the form of a very small
bacillus. All forms are non-motile, aerobic,
and do not produce spores. The bacillus is
named, B. cuniculicida.

Symptoms

The manifestations of rabbit septicemia dif-
; . BS :

36 DISEASES OF RABBITS

fer according to the mode of infection. When
infection takes place from ingestion, i. e., via
the digestive tract, the disease runs an acute
course with predominating gastro-intestinal
and systemic symptoms. If, on the other hand,
infection occurs via the respiratory tract, it
runs a more chronic course with nasal and
pneumionic symptoms more in evidence. This
latter train of symptoms constitutes rabbit in-
fluenza, contagious snuffles or malignant ca-
tarrh, as it has been diversely termed. In the
acute form the animal appears dull, hunched
up, and separates from its companions. Its
ears droop, always a sign of illness in a rabbit;
its fur is dull and rough and appetite is sus-
pended. Respiration becomes accelerated,
coma gradually supervenes and the animal dies
without a struggle. Colicky pains and a blood-
stained diarrhea are prominent symptoms and
the animal succumbs in from ten to twenty
hours, but in rare instances may last up to
three days.

In the pneumonia form, there is a profuse
nasal discharge, frequent cough and sneezing,
hurried respirations, heaving flanks and very
often a purulent conjunctivitis. The disease if
uncomplicated by the intestinal form runs its
course to death in from a week to ten days,
ernaciation being very rapid.

RABBIT SEPTICEMIA 37

- Post Mortem Lesions

Intestinal form: The abdominal and pecto-
ral muscles show infiltrations and petechiae,
the intestinal mucous membrane is hyperemic,
thickened and covered with a brownish red ex-
udate. The lungs congested and the pleural
cavities filled with reddish exudate. There is a
sero-fibrinous pericarditis, the pericardial sac
containing a blood-stained fluid. The liver is
slightly enlarged and the spleen congested.

Pneumonic form: The nasal and bronchial
mucous membrane is congested, the lungs
pneumonic and the pleura covered with a
fibrinous exudate. The liver is much congest-
ed, but little alteration is seen in the spleen. In
both cases the blood is tarry and decomposi-
tion sets in rapidly after death.

Treatment

No treatment has proved of value. Prophy-

laxis consists in good hygiene and sanitation
and the use of bacterins.

CHAPTER V.

MISCELLANEOUS INFECTIOUS
DISEASES

Schmorl’s Disease (Necrobacillosis)

This is a contagious disease characterized by
necrosis of the skin of the head, lips and nose,
or by the formation of small abscesses which
appear on the thighs, abdomen and flanks.

Etiology.—The bacillus of necrosis—B. ne-
crophorus.

Mode of Infection.—The bacillus gains en-
trance to the tissues via small wounds in the
region of the head, produced by thorns, prickly
food, or by ingestion of infected material. The
wounds in the intestinal mucous membrane pro-
duced by internal parasites may also afford
channels of infection.

Symptoms.—The symptoms vary according ©
to the mode and intensity of the infection and -
also whether generalization or not takes place.
The primary symptoms commence with swell-
ing of the nostrils and lips, eyelids and ulti-
mately the whole face. The skin is at first hot
and painful, of a purplish color and covered
with pustules; later on it becomes cold and in-
sensible and brownish black. The necrotic area
sloughs off, taking with it the lips, nose and
part of the face. The resulting wound is dry,
and shows marked induration around its mar-

gins. Very often the necrosis extends from the
39

40. DISEASES OF RABBITS

lower lip over throat and chest and symptoms
of generalization manifest themselves. The
animal becomes dull and listless, rapid emacia-
tion takes place, the respirations hurried and
difficult, and the temperature rises. The ani-
mal relapses into coma and dies unconscious.
Owing to the destruction of the lips, starva-
tion may terminate the sufferings of the animal
before the later symptoms appear, much de-
pending on as to whether both lips are involved
or not and to the extent of the necrotic process.
The symptoms of a generalized infection, in
which the lips are not involved and the necrosis
is not in connection with any visible wound,
manifest themselves by the appearance of mul-
tiple abscesses, varying in size from a pea to a
hickory nut, in the regions of the thighs, flanks,
abdomen and back. The capsule of an abscess
typical of this disease is dense and fibrous, very
slow in developing with little or no tendency to
open spontaneously. The pus is thick and
creamy and white or bright green in color. The
course of this form of the disease runs about
from two to three weeks, emaciation is extreme
and the animal dies of exhaustion.
Treatment.—Very little can be done in the
way of treatment except in the very early
stages. If the condition is recognized then and
the necrotic process has not involved too great
an amount of tissue, total excision of the necro-

INFECTIOUS DISEASES 41

tic patch and subsequent dressings with tinc-
ture of iodine may succeed in arresting the in-
volvement of fresh tissues and in localizing the
infection.

Streptobacillary Pseudotuberculosis

This disease is characterized by the forma-
tion of nodules or tubercles resembling true
tuberculosis, but animals affected do not react
to tuberculin, the etiological factor being a spe-
cific streptobacillus. The bacillus appears as
a short rod, measuring 1 to 2 microns long and
having rounded extremities. Chain formation
is frequent and the bacillus assumes varying
forms, depending on the conditions and loca-
tions in which it grows. In culture media, it
varies from the typical rod shape in fresh cul-
tures to the ovoid form in old cultures; it has a
tendency to form zooglea. In the tissues varia-
tions are frequent, depending on the age of the
growth. It is a facultative anaerobe, stains
with ordinary aniline dyes, but i is Gram nega-
tive.

The disease attacks rabbits of any age aud is
very fatal.

‘Symptoms.—Gradual and progressive ema-
ciation, with great weakness, disinclination to
feed or exercise. Panting respirations, fur dull
and rough: The greatly enlarged abdominal
and sublumbar lymphatic glands can easily be
palpated. The submaxillary and prepectoral

42 DISEASES OF RABBITS

glands are often enlarged. The disease runs a
chronic course, the animals gradually sinking
from marasmus and inanition.

Post Mortem Lesions.—Lungs studded with
caseous tubercles, the liver and kidneys also
the seat of numerous tubercles. Tubercles are
also found ‘in the cecum and colon, and espe-
cially the vermiform appendix, which is en-
larged and thickened with tubercle formation.
The abdominal lymphatics are enlarged and in
some cases also the bronchial and mediastinal
glands.

Differential Diagnosis.—Microscopic exam-
ination of the lesions show that the tubercles
are not typical of true tuberculosis. Tubercu-
lin test negative. Acid-fast bacteria are not
present in the lesions.

Contagious Urethritis and Vaginitis

This contagious venereal disease appears as
a catarrhal discharge from the penis or vagina.
It is communicable from animal to animal by
coitus. It remains localized and is amenable to
treatment. :

Treatment.—Injections into the genital ca-
nal of either sex, of weak solutions of potas-
sium permanganate, 1% solution, protargol,
ete., and the internal administration of hexa-
mine in three grain doses twice daily. The ex-
ternal genitals should be kept free from dis-
charge and coitus prevented until all discharge

INFECTIOUS DISEASES 43

has ceased. The disease runs a normal course
of three to four weeks or longer if treatment is
neglected.
Tuberculosis

Although not by any means immune from
infections by the Bacillus tuberculosis, the dis-
ease is not so very ?ommon in the rabbit. In-
testinal tuberculosis is most often met with, al-
though generalized infections are occasionally
found post mortem. The symptoms, which
may easily be confused with coccidiosis or pseu-
dotuberculosis, are general unthriftiness,
gradual emaciation in spite of generous diet,
continued rise of temperature, panting respira-
tions and upon palpation enlargement of the
abdominal lymphatic glands. It is desirable in
cases of suspected tuberculosis, to carry out the
ophthalmic eye test of Calmette, a drop or so of
~ ophthalmic tuberculin producing a purulent
conjunctivitis and edema of the eyelids. Cases
that react should be destroyed, as treatment is
contraindicated owing to the risk of the spread
of the disease to healthy individuals. The
bodies should be burned and the hutches and
runs thoroughly disinfected.

| CuHaPtTer VI ©
_ DISEASES OF THE SKIN
Apart from the invasions of the necrosis
bacillus, skin lesions in the rabbit are almost i in-

variably produced by ectozoa. The exception
is found in dermatitis of the hocks.

Dermatitis of the Hocks mt

‘This is the result of allowing wet and dirty
litter to accumulate in the hutches. The hocks
become swollen tender and often raw from the
irritant effect: of the ammonia in- ne, feces and
urine.

Treatment: Rs the nae: sais and ap-
ply.a little zine ointment thoroughly rubbed in,
after the parts have been well washed with soap
and water... :

Fleas.

In badly managed rabbitries fleas soon make
their appearance and adversely affect the con-
dition of the animals by the constant, irritation
they produce. The rabbit flea Pulex gonioce-
phalus, the dog flea Pulex serraticeps and the
Pulex irritans of man are the varieties that
infest the rabbit. Lop-eared rabbits are said to
be more frequently affected than other varieties
of rabbits, this being accounted for by the fact
that these animals,'by reason of their. long ears
are unable to clean themselves as easily as the

ordinary rabbit. The more probable explana-
45

46 DISEASES OF RABBITS

tion is that fanciers keep lop ears rabbits in
hutches in which the temperature is excessive
and only clean the hutches out at long inter-
vals.

Treatment: The animals should be dusted
with pyrethrum powder and well brushed and
combed and, since fleas are transitory para-
sites, the hutches and living quarters must be
well scalded with boiling water to destroy the
larvae.

Lice

As a rule, lice are found only in badly man-
aged establishments and on badly nourished
and debilitated individuals. The rabbit louse
Hematopinus ventricosis is a true blood suck-
er and, if present in large numbers, produces
anemia and marasmus. A dermatitis is also
produced, and the animals are continually
scratching and biting at themselves, the fur be-
comes ragged, covered with nits, and the skin
erythematous in patches and sometimes abrad-
ed by the animal’s claws.

Treatment: The adult lice can be destroyed
by dusting with insect powders or by sponging
with an infusion of stavesacre, 1 to 20. The
nits are best dissolved by wetting the fur with
acetic acid or vinegar and combing out. In any
case, the treatment should be carried out at
least twice at intervals of five days, in order to

DISEASES OF THE SKIN 47

destroy any lice that have hatched out from
overlooked nits. All litter should be burned
and the hutches disinfected.

Acarina, Mites

Ado the minor acarids that infest the rab-
bit are the Listrophorous gibbus, the Gama-
sus pteroptoides, and the Leptus autumnalis or
harvest bug. This latter, formerly considered
to be a distinct variety, is in reality the hexapod
larva of the Tetranychus autumnalis. Neither
of these parasites are of very much importance
unless present in great numbers, when they
produce irritation, loss of fur and self-inflicted
injuries from rubbing and scratching. They
are easily got rid of by the use of insect powder |
or infusion of stavesacre, or the calcium sulphid
mange lotion.

Psora or Mange

Mange in the rabbit is of serious import and
causes considerable’ losses unless diagriosed
early and energetic steps taken for its treat-
ment and control. Four varieties of mange
parasites are found affecting rabbits. (1) Sar-
coptes scabei cuniculi, (2) Notcedres minor
cuniculi, (3) Psoroptes communis cuniculi, (4)
Symbiotes cuniculi. The first and second
named are burrowing parasites and produce re-
spectively sarcoptic and notcedric mange. As
the symptoms of the two varieties are identical,
they will be described together.

48 DISEASES OF RABBITS

The lesions occur almost exclusively on the
nose, lips, forehead, and legs and have not been
observed on the body. Affected animals rub
against the sides of the hutch, scratch them-
selves, and show great. irritation. The fur
falls off and the skin is seen to be covered with
white or grayish crusts. The crusts are ex-
tremely adherent and there is much prolifera-
tion of the epithelium. If unchecked, the ani-
mals gradually lose condition owing to contin-
ued irritation and want of rest, and possibly
to the absorption of toxins produced by the
parasites. Many of the affected animals die
from inanition and marasmus.

Treatment: Coincident with the treatment
of the individuals, the hutches should be thor-
oughly disinfected and all affected animals iso-
lated from the rest of the rabbitry and also
from horses, as the sarcoptic ey is con-
tagious to horses.
~ The hair should be clipped from the affected
parts and the crusts softened by the application
of soft soap well rubbed in and left on for half
an hour, and then washed off with warm water.
Sulphur ointment, 1 to 4, is then to be thor-
oughly rubbed into both the affected parts
and a wide margin of the surrounding skin.
The treatment should be repeated every five
days until a cure is effected. In order to ob-
tain the best results from the sulphur ointment

DISEASES OF THE SKIN 49

the crusts must be softened up with the soft
soap and should then be scraped off as much
as possible, but without causing too much dam-
age to the'skin.

Psoroptic and Symbiotic Mange

Psoroptic and symbiotic mange in the rabbit
affects the ears, causing otorrhea or canker. It
is transmissible to horses and fron horses to
the rabbit, so that rabbits should be removed
from stables if either horses or rabbits become
affected. ¢ =

Symptoms: ‘The rabbit is continually shak-
ing its head and resents handling of the affect-
ed ear. Upon examination, a catarrhal condi-
tion of the external auditory canal will be
found, the discharge being of the characteristic
brown color and distinctive odor. If the base
of the ear is pressed pain is exhibited and a
sucking noise is heard. The discharge cakes on
the inside of the earflap, and may produce
ulceration and excoriation. In advanced and
neglected cases, the animals may exhibit con-
vulsions of an epileptiform character. Unless
attended to, rabbits rapidly lose condition and
soon become emaciated, lose their appetites and
die'of marasmus and inanition.

Treatment: The earflap and external audi-
tory meatus and canal should first be thorough-
ly cleaned up with hydrogen peroxide, taking
care to remove all scabs and caked discharge.

50 DISEASES OF RABBITS

The parts should then be dried and the canal
filled up with an ointment composed of Un-
guentum Hydragyri Nitratis, one dram, olive
or almond oil, one ounce; the earflap is also
well smeared with the ointment and the dress-
ing repeated in three days’ time. Should any
irritation remain after the second dressing, the
parts should be again cleaned up and dusted
with boric acid powder. The ordinary sulphur
ointment also gives good results if the prelim-
inary cleaning up is thoroughly done and the
ointment carefully worked into every crevice
and cranny of the ear and canal.

Ringworm a

Young rabbits up to the age of three months
of age are often affected with favus; older ani- —
mals are seldom attacked, seemingly being im-
mune. The causative agent is the Achorion
quinckeanum (Favus of mice) and the Acho-
rion schénleinii (Favus of man). Favus is a
contagious disease, and the usual precautions
as regards isolation and disinfection should be
adopted. It is also contagious to man, so that
care must be exercised to prevent becoming in-
fected. The predilection seats are: the head,
ears and paws. The lesions vary in number
from one to thirty, and in size from that of a
pin’s head to that of a dime. The lesions are
very typical, occurring as depressed cups cov-
ered with a yellow crust, which in old lesions

DISEASES OF THE SKIN 51

becomes of a grayish color. On removing the
crusts, the cup-like depression is seen covered
with a grayish powder; the edges of the lesion
are inflamed and the surrounding skin is
much thickened, very often raising the entire
lesion appreciably above the skin level. The
lesions are devoid of hair, which breaks off and
is found to be much frayed and split. The
lesions also give off a characteristic mousey
odor, which in conjunction with the macro-

scopic appearances, makes diagnosis quite sim-
ple.

Treatment: The crusts should be removed,
any broken hairs pulled out, and the hair
around the lesions clipped. Both crusts and
hairs should then be burned. The lesion itself
may then be painted with tincture of iodine, or.
swabbed with gasoline and painted with a solu-
tion of bichlorid of mercury, 1 to 500. A solu-
tion of ferric chlorid also gives good results and
has the advantage of being non-poisonous; it is
especially useful where large areas require to
be treated. In obstinate cases silver nitrate
may be used by moistening a caustic stick and
rubbing the lesions with it. In any case, the
application of any of the above mentioned
fungicides should extend well beyond the peri-
_ phery of the lesion, due precautions being ob-
served, of course, to avoid injuring the eyes,
lips or nostrils.

a Cuapter VII
' OBSTETRICS
' Breeding

Breeding from immature animals invariably
leads to disappointment and disaster, and rab-
bits are no exception to this rule. With the
exception of Flemish giants, mating should not
_ be allowed before eight months of age. In the
case. of Flemish giants, which tend to become
sterile if not.bred before eight months, six
months is the most favorable age to start breed-
ing. Stud animals should be selected from in-
dividuals that have been well reared, correctly
fed and have never had.a set-back and are in
good physical condition. The maximum num-
ber, of litters that should be expected, from a
doe per annum is four; an excess of this num-
ber not only wears out the doe, but produces
weak offspring.

Estrum occurs about every three weeks in
the early part of the year and continues for
three or four days.

‘The signs of estrum are lesion excita-
bility, congestion and. tumefaction of the vulva
and vagina, with the usual discharge from the
former. Any signs of nervousness on the part
of the doe when introduced to the buck indi-
cates that estrum is not fully established, and

she should -be removed and tried again next
53

54 DISEASES OF RABBITS

day. One mating only should be allowed. Old
does which are moulting in August, September
or October, as a rule, will not come in estrum
unless fed an increased protein ration and the
diet considerably increased.

Period of Gestation .

The length of gestation is thirty to thirty-
one days and many does begin to make their
bed about a fortnight before parturition is due.
When signs of the desire to make the bed are
seen, a nest box and a liberal supply of hay
should be provided and the animals not inter-
fered with. Signs of bed-making a few days
after service is an indication that conception
has not taken place, and the doe should at once
be reintroduced to the buck. During gestation
the usual routine of hutch cleaning, etc., should
be carried on and as long as the nest is not in-
terfered with the doe will not be disturbed by
such measures even when the litter has arrived.

Treatment of the Expectant Mother

No special treatment is required for the first
fortnight, but from that time on the enceinte
doe should receive a more generous and con-
centrated nitrogenous diet. Roots should be
given with extreme moderation, but grass in
summer may be given ad lib. In winter cab-
bage leaves must be substituted for the grass,
but care must be taken to see that they are not

OBSTETRICS 55

frosted. Drinking water should always be pro-
vided in the hutch.

Number of Young
A fair average is five, but this can be in-
creased by selecting prolific breeders, but much
depends upon the strain, and there is little
advantage to be gained in increasing the num-
ber of young if the mother is unable to prop-
erly nourish them.

Parturition

Parturition is usually rapid and uncompli-
cated and the doe, once she has retired to her
nest, should not be disturbed. The nest should
be left undisturbed for some days after the
birth of the young rabbits or the doe may de-
sert them and they will die of starvation. In
any case owing to the fact that does nurse the
young in the early morning, the nest should
not be opened until after eight o’clock in the
morning. When opening the nest for the first
time the doe should be given some green food
and the nest opened with a stick or with the
gloved hands that have been well rubbed with
earth. The young rabbits are born naked,
blind and deaf, thus differing from the leveret,
and are absolutely dependent on the doe for
warmth and nourishment. Some does devour
the new born rabbits, but this can be prevented

56 DISEASES OF RABBITS

by keeping her supplied with plenty of drink-
ing water and not interfering with the nest too
soon. .
The Young Rabbits

_ The young rabbits become covered with fur
about the fifth day, the eyes open on the ninth
to the eleventh day, and they begin to leave
the nest about the fifteenth day. At three
weeks old they are able to run about and are
fairly “on their feet.”

Care of the Nursing Mother

The ordinary ration should be increased at
least one-third for the nursing mother and if
the litter is exceptionally heavy special feed-
ing on bread and milk is desirable as it is most
desirable that the young ones should get no
setback. As before mentioned the proper al-
buminoid ratio for nursing does and young
rabbits is one to four or five.

Weaning

The young should be left with the doe until
they are six weeks old in summer and eight
weeks old in winter, and should share the doe’s
food. At these ages the young should be re-
moved to a separate run and the members of
the same litter should be kept together until
they reach the age of three months, when the
sexes should be separated. Under no consid-
eration should the litter be broken up into pairs

OBSTETRICS 57

and raised in separate hutches, as young rab-
bits require plenty of exercise and company.
There is no objection to raising several litters
of the same age together in large pens, but the
ages should not be mixed. Bucks may be left
together until they start fighting, when they
must be separated, or those not required for
breeding purposes castrated. In calculating
the number of bucks to retain for breeding,
one buck to ten does is the correct number,
the remainder unless intended for sale as breed-
ers should be castrated and fattened for the
table. ,

Cuapter VIII

MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES AND
~ WOUNDS.

Anorexia .

This may be the first symptom of some more
serious disease or may be due simply to un-
attractive food, simple indigestion from in-
appropriate diet, damaged or spoiled food or
exposure to extreme cold and general discom-
fort from uncomfortable surroundings.

Treatment.—After careful examination to
determine the cause and the elimination of
more serious maladies, a mild stimulant should
be given and the appetite tempted with fresh
grass or other green foods given in small quan-
tities. Aromatic spirits of ammonia five min-

_ ims diluted in a tablespoonful of water, admin-
istered twice a day, is a good example of a
stimulant for a rabbit. A slice of bread may
be soaked in good beer and offered as a meal,
or an ounce of ale warmed up may be given
asadrench. The comfort of the animal should
be considered and adverse conditions rectified.

Catarrh or Coryza
Rabbits exposed to inclement weather and
kept in damp hutches which are allowed to get
into an unsanitary condition, often suffer from

nasal catarrh associated with a catarrhal con-
; 59

* 60 DISEASES OF RABBITS

junctivitis, independently of the catarrhal con-
ditions produced. by coccidiosis. The symp-
toms are far milder than in the latter disease.
Nevertheless the possibility of coccididial in-
’ fection should not be lost sight of and the usual
precaution of isolation should be carried out.
.Symptoms.—A. catarrhal discharge from.
the nose accompanied with cough, anorexia
and general listlessness. The conjunctiva is
congested and there is a catarrhal discharge
from the eyes. A microscopical examination
of the nasal discharge and feces should be
made and the absence or presence of coceidia
determined. The rabbit’s feces quite frequent-
ly contain a few coccidia as a very large per-
centage of rabbits are carriers but the finding
of only a few in the feces and none in the nasal
discharge will confirm the diagnosis of parle
catarrh, |
Treatment. Tie and provide sontant:
able quarters, clean and dry, warm, but. with
proper ventilation and provide plenty of fresh,
clean water.. Soft hay and mashes should be
given as diet, and ten minims of etheris nitrosi
given in a little milk twice daily. The eyes
and nose should be bathed two or three times:a
day with a five percent solution of boric” acid
aud kept free of discharge. ane

Boi aba

Hematuria
Whether this condition is a true piroplas-

‘MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES AND WOUNDS 61

mosis or not is not yet definitely determined;
if so it is in all probability conveyed by a tick,
but the fact that rabbits usually recover from
the disease rather points to some other causa-
tive agent. It is more probable that the
diet has much to do with producing the condi-
tion, especially green stuff gathered from
hedge-rows, etc., where are to be found many
acrid weeds and grasses that might easily irri-
tate the kidneys.
Hematuria, it should be remembered, is also
a symptom of advanced coccidiosis.
Symptoms.—The animal is dull and listless,
appetite as a rule unimpaired, and the urine
is colored by contained blood. vr
Treatment.—Chiefly dietetic. The animal
should receive an ounce of water, in which bran
_or barley has been soaked for twenty-four
hours, twice daily. The diet should consist of
the usual ration of meal, and hay, but grass
and green stuff should be withheld. Recovery
usually takes about a week to ten days.
Paraplegia
Rabbits that are kept cooped up in small
hutches and are not allowed sufficient exercise
or are kept in damp and insanitary surround-
ings often develop paralysis in the hind legs.
The exact pathology of this condition is not
known, but it seldom attacks animals kept
under favorable conditions of exercise and
sanitation. . i ae

ss oP Re Wa

62 DISEASES OF RABBITS

Symptoms.—The initial symptoms are stiff-
ness of carriage of the hind limbs, a dragging
gait, and finally paralysis of the hind legs
which are dragged*along the ground Wael! the
animal moves.

Treatment.—The fis sanaid be clipped
short over the loins and a stimulating liniment
well rubbed in, or a mustard plaster may be
applied: A dose of magnesium sulphate
should be given and sodium salicylate, grs. i,
given mixed in the food twice daily: Two
grain doses of sulphate of iron and sodium
bromid made into a pill should also be given
once daily. The animal should be made com-
fortable and kept dry and warm.

Fits and Convulsions

These occur from reflex action, from gastro-
intestinal irritation due to parasites or indiges-
tion. They also appear in advanced cases of
otorrhea. Sometimes no cause can be assigned _
or traced to account for these cerebral disturb-
ances. Parasite cysts in the brain are no doubt
sometimes responsible but such occurrenées are
rare. Exposure to the direct rays of the sun
during very hot weather is also‘a factor in pro-
ducing cerebral disturbance and as such should
not be overlooked. —

Symptoms.—The head is carried stiffly and
to one side, limbs weak and the gait staggering.
The eyes take on a wild expression and the

x

MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES AND WOUNDS 63

animal falls to the ground in convulsions which
are of a violent nature. Sometimes the animal
utters piercing cries before becoming insen-
sible. Upon regaining consciousness the ani-
mal is completely exhausted and lies limp and
relaxed, if picked up the head lolling to one
side and the heart is felt to be only oe
beating.

Diener ana to a quiet sine and
if able to swallow administer a saline purgative |
such as a dram of Glauber salt in an ounce of
water. This may be repeated for two or three
days until the bowels are freely relaxed. A
sedative should be given, such as potassium
bromid five grains three times a day for three
or four days. Any digestive derangements
should be corrected—parasites removed from
the digestive canal or ears and the animal —
placed in a cool and comfortable hutch. The-
food should consist of grass, hay and roots for
a week after an attack.

Wounds

‘Wounds in rabbits heal rapidly under suit-
able treatment. The wounds most commonly
met with are bites from other rabbits and tears
in the skin from projecting nails and splinters.
Slight wounds and abrasions are best dealt
with by cleaning up with a dilute solution of
potassium permanganate or chinosol and
dusted over with boric acid powder. Large

64 DISEASES OF RABBITS

tears and extensive wounds should be sutured
with fine silk or waxed thread properly steril-
ized after first disinfecting them.

Septic wounds are treated according to the
general principles obtaining in the treatment
of wounds in other animals, but care must be
taken not to employ antiseptics that are too
strong or poisonous if licked off. Eusol is a
safe and useful agent for infected wounds but
has the disadvantage of being rather irritating.
This can be overcome to some extent by dilut-
ing it with three parts of boiled water.

a

PART II

Some Special Clinical and Therapeutic Notes

on Diseases of the Cat

~ CuHapter I

GENERAL CONSIDERATION OF
THE FELINE PATIENT

In dealing with feline patients special con-
sideration must be paid to the psychology of
these animals far more than is necessary in the.
equine or canine species. In feline practice,
details that are of minor importance. in_other
animals, assume such importance that the pa-
tient’s recovery may depend altogether upon
them.’ Nauseous drugs, rough, handling, a
_ strange place, odors, the presence of dogs or
other animals, all have a psychic influence
which may result in obstinate refusal of food
and a condition of inanition which .may lead
to a fatal termination quite irrespective of the
actual pathological condition. |

In cases admitted to veterinary hospitals,
nostalgia plays a more important part in the
recovery or its failure, than is generally attrib- -
uted to it. For example, it is well known that
many cats die in hospitals after being. sub-
jected to the operation of odphorectomy, hys-
terectomy or other laparotomies and opera-
tions in general without any discoverable
lesions, no toxemia, no local or generalized
peritoneal inflammation or any other complica-
tion of the operation, the only symptoms dur-
ing the post PRoTeHys pence until death, being

70 ; DISEASES OF CATS

obstinate refusal of food, inanition and maras-
mus. ‘That these deaths are attributable to
nostalgia and to no other cause can be proved
by comparing the percentages of mortality fol- °
lowing operative procedures carried out at’ the
home of the patient with those carried out
among strangers and amid strange surround-
ings, as in a veterinary hospital. Also by com-
paring the results of operations performed at
the hospital (where they should be) within
twenty-four hours of admission with the results
of operations when the animal has been allowed
to become accustomed to its surroundings by
residence in the hospital for at least a week pre-
vious to operation. The results of such an in-
vestigation and comparison will not only sur-
prise the practitioner but will convince him that
nostalgia plays an important pant in _ the
therapy of feline patients.

The cat is often considered by roe that
have not carefully ‘studied the animal, to be of
filthy and unclean habits, and while this’ may
be true of untrained and neglected individuals,
it is very far from the truth as regards the
average cat. The normal healthy cat ‘is most
particular as to its toilette, and any neglect of
the details of personal cleanliness is a sign that
there is some deviation from the normal—a.
symptom that may indicate illness.

The fact should also be borne in mind, cats

THE FELINE PATIENT pat
become attached to places and rarely to indi-
viduals; they will tolerate people they are ac-
customed to, allowing them to handle, feed or
administer medicine to them without protest,
whereas with strangers, they often refuse food,
resist handling, and make full use of their
natural weapons of defense when submitted to
examination for the purpose of arriving at a
diagnosis.

_ The cat when sick has the common charac-
teristic of all felines, that it invariably retires
to some secluded place and hides; this tendency
coupled with neglect of the toilette is of great
value in arriving at the conclusion that the
animal is or is not well.

The old saying that a cat has nine-lives is in
some ways correct, in others misleading; that’
the cat must be immune or nearly so to a host
of bacterial infections is proved by the fact
that, “compared with other animals, the bacte-
rial diseases of the cat are few, especially when
one takes into consideration the chances of in-
fection that a cat is exposed to, by its wander-
ing habits and garbage can investigations, etc.,
coupled with the constant cleaning of the coat
by licking. The highly strung nervous system
and remarkable agility .of the feline no doubt -
enables him to avoid accidents and injuries to
which a slower and less agile animal would fall
a victim. On the other hand, the injured or

‘

72 DISEASES OF CATS

sick cat appears to have a remarkably low re-
sistance to invading organisms and succumbs to
what in other species are comparatively trivial
conditions. .

In conclusion, the veterinarian that 'recog-
nizes and makes allowances for the peculiar
psychological complications that accompany
feline ailments will be rewarded by a greater
measure of success than the one that does not
make such allowances.

CHAPTER II

CHOICE AND ADMINISTRATION
- OF MEDICINES AND
POSOLOGY.

It is only comparatively recently that the cat
has become regarded as a clinieal entity, for-
merly it was treated on general principles fol-
lowing the line of canine medication, but as

feline practice developed it was soon found by
veterinarians that specialized in this branch of
veterinary medicine, that what is quite ap-
plicable to the dog is not necessarily appropri-
ate for the cat. As before mentioned, the
peculiar psychology of the cat eliminates many
medicinal agents which are commonly used in
dog practice. Again closer investigation and
clinical experience has shown that the cat pos-
sesses idiosyncrasies in regard to certain drugs,
notably to all coal tar products, to morphine
which causes delirium, to potassium chlorate
which produces hemoglobinuria, and to nause-
ous tasting drugs, castor oil in particular,
which although producing no toxic symptoms,
in many instances provoke an obstinate ano-
rexia and voluntary starvation if their use is.
persisted in. Keeping these facts in mind it
will be seen that medicines should be admin-

istered, in either pill or capsule form if the
73

14 ‘DISEASES OF CATS

drug is at all nauseous, or in the food if prac-
tical where the drug is tasteless or better still
where possible by hypodermic injection. Alka-
loidal medication is ideal in feline patients
owing to the small bulk of the dose, the cer-
tainty of action and the ease of administration.
Pills and capsules are best administered by
means of a pill gun as by this method the oper-
ator runs no risk of being bitten or the patient
of being injured during the process.

Fluids are best avoided where possible;
where used they should be given by means of a
small syringe, administered slowly and deliv-'
ered in small quantities at a time well on the
back of the tongue. In large cats the cheek
may be pouched in the same manner as in the
dog but in small cats and kittens this method
is not practical, usually resulting in bitten fin-
gers and the loss of the dose.

Where it is desirable to administer. the
medicament in liquid form to large cats the
dose should be regulated so as to be of as small
a quantity as possible, except, of course, where
irritant drugs are used, in which case they must _
be properly diluted to avoid irritation of the
buccal mucous membrane. The medicine being
already placed in a teaspoon, syringe or other
convenient receptacle, the animal’s mouth is
closed, either by an assistant holding the jaws:

N

MEDICINES AND POSOLOGY 5

closely together or by tying them together with
a:tape. The index finger of the left hand is
then introduced at the corner of the lips and
the cheeks pulled outwards to form a pocket,

into which the medicine should be poured slow-
ly until the animal has taken the required dose.

Medicines may also be given by the rectum.
Rectal medication by means of suppositories is
very appropriate.

The choice of medicinal agents for external .
application is very limited owing to the habit
~ of licking which is normal to all felines. Only
those agents that are nontoxic should be em-
ployed for external applications unless it is
possible to eliminate the chances of their being
removed by the tongue.

Preparations of coal tars, carbolic acid, iodo-
form, mercury, etc:, must not be used, such
agents as chinosol, eusol, chloromin, chlora-
zene, etc., being substituted for them. As to
dosage, only general directions can be given, |
the general rule being that if the dose for the »
horse be regarded as one the dose for a medium
sized cat is 1/82 or about half the minimum
dose for a dog. The proportions in regard to
age are adults,’ six months and upwards, one
part; three to six months, one-half part; two

to three months, one-fourth part; 20 to 45
: days, one-eighth part; 10 to 20 days, one-six-

6 ~ DISEASES OF CATS

teenth part. If the dose by the mouth be one;
the rectal dose is two; the subcutaneous one-
tenth; the intravenous, one-twenty-fifth to one-
fiftieth; the intratracheal, one-twentieth.

aon

Cuapter IIIT

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE
; SYSTEM.

The Lips

In common with other animals the cat suffers
from wounds and injuries both to the external
and internal surfaces of the lips, also from neo-
plasms, and from diseases of the skin notably
favus (see Page 119). These conditions are
treated on general principles by suture, ex-
cision, and antiseptic treatment as the special
condition demands. As before stated special
care is necessary in the selection of a non-toxic

: antiseptic.

~ The Teeth
The dental formula of the cat is:
33 1-1 1-1 1-1 5
Temporary. I.— C.— P.M.— C.M.— T.M.——=26
83 11 11 Ley 00:
33 11 $3 11
Permanent. I—C.— P.M. M.—— =30

83 #141 22 i141

The carnassial in the upper jaw is a pre-
‘molar, that in the lower a true molar. The
teeth appear in the mouth in from two to three
weeks after birth and‘are shed and replaced by
the permanent ones between four and four and
a half months. Full dentition is obtained be-

tween the sixth and seventh.
1

+ 18 DISEASES OF CATS

Ulcerative Stomatitis

As in other animals, defects and diseases of
the teeth are productive of not only local
troubles but of digestive, constitutional and
nervous phenomena as well. In the cat, how-
ever, constitutional symptoms are more severe,
loose, decayed or tartar coated teeth produc-
ing not only a septic condition in the mouth but .
a condition of inanition that is persistent until
the exciting cause is removed. In old cats the
teeth quite frequently: become thickly coated
with tartar, the gums become infected and
often necrotic and the condition known as sep-
tic mouth is produced.

Symptoms.—Attention is drawn to the ani--
mal’s illness by persistent anorexia, fetid
breath, or more correctly by the fetor oris, sali-
vation, and a general miserable appearance.
Upon examination of the mouth, the teeth are
‘found coated with tartar, the gums spongy,
ulcerated, and with necrotic patches. Particles
of decaying food may be found between the
cheeks and the teeth and one or many of the
teeth may be loose.

Treatment.—All loose teeth should be re-
moved and the sound ones cleaned of tartar by
scaling. One loose tooth is sufficient both to
produce the condition and to maintain it and
the majority of cats will undergo voluntary |
starvation rather than endure the pain of bit-

’ DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 79

ing ona loose tooth. After removal of the
loose teeth and the tartar from the sound ones
the mouth should be rinsed with a nontoxic
and nonnauseating mouth wash. Hydrogen
peroxide, a weak solution of potassium per-
manganate and Dakin’s solution are all suit-—
able agents to employ. The diet should be of
soft consistency and of easy mastication.
Boiled fish, made into a pulp with milk is gen-
erally acceptable, but it may have to be placed
in the patient’s mouth before it will be eaten.

Catarrhal Stomatitis

This is a simple inflammation of the mucous
membrane of the mouth. It occurs in cats,
being produced by irritants, foreign bodies, -
slight accumulations of tartar, ete. —

Symptoms.—Disinclination to eat, difficulty
in mastication, a slight degree of salivation. —
Upon examination the mucous membrane of
the mouth and tongue is‘noticed to be whiter —
than usual with parts denuded of the epithe-
lium. The fact that both simple catarrhal and
ulcerative stomatitis. occur in feline distemper
must always be kept in mind and the existence
of that condition not overlooked.

Acute Pharyngitis
Excluding the acute pharyngeal symptoms
of cat distemper, and cat diphtheria, acute
pharyngitis is as a rule produced only by trau-

4

80 DISEASES OF CATS

ma. Foreign bodies such as fish bones, pins,

needles, pieces of stick, straw, grass, etc., are

frequent causes. It may also be caused by
extension of infection from the buccal cavity.

Symptoms.—Salivation, partial or complete
anorexia, tendency to hide away, pawing at
the mouth or throat. Examination reveals an
inflamed condition of the pharynx and usual-
ly the foreign bedy. Sometimes however a
careful search must be made before the offend-
ing article can be discovered especially if it be

- a needle.

Treatment.—Prompt removal of the foreign
body, the application of an inoffensive astring-
ent antiseptic such as glycerin tannin (tannic
acid 1; glycerin 4) is all the treatment re-
- quired. The patient should be placed on a soft
diet and kept quiet for a few days.

Acute Peripharyngeal Abscesses
Acute peripharyngeal abscesses are of fairly
- frequent occurrence and are due in nearly.
every instance to foreign bodies such as needles
and fish bones perforating the pharynx and
lodging in the peripharyngeal tissues.

Symptoms.—In addition to the symptoms
described above, pain and swelling i in the affec-
ted region, difficult breathing, pain upon ma-
nipulation and finally the development of Hue:
tuation in the swelling. -

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 81

Treatment.—Evacuation of the abscess and

appropriate antiseptic after treatment on gen-
eral principles.

The pharynx in old cats is quite often
the seat of chronic tubercular abscesses for
which no treatment can be recommended (See
tuberculosis, page 108).

The diseases and surgical condition affecting
the esophagus of the cat in no way differ from
the same affections in the dog (for which see
Canine Medicine and Surgery).

_ Gastritis and Gastro-enteritis
These two conditions so generally go to-
gether and the differential diagnosis is so sur-
rounded with difficulties and possesses no clini-
cal advantage that they will be desscribed to-
‘gether. Gastro-enteritis occurs in two forms;
1 Acute and 2 Chronic.

Acute Gastro-enteritis——There is still some
considerable contention among the various au-
thorities as to whether this disease exists as a
pathological entity, or whether or not all cases
can be referred to distemper, with the excep-
tion of gastro-enteritis produced by poisons or
whether the different varieties are separate en-
tities. Clinically however the following forms
‘of gastro-enteritis are met with and will be dis-
cussed under the following headings.

82 DISEASES OF CATS

SIMPLE ACUTE GASTRO-ENTERITIS.

In this form the gastric symptoms predomi-
nate over the intestinal, and the nervous phe-
nomena although existent are not so well
marked as in the more serious forms.

Etiology.— Unsuitable and irritating food,
foreign bodies, fur balls and masses of matted
~ hair which have been licked from the coat when

the animal has been making its toilette. Para-
“sites, Ollulanus tricuspis, Ascaris mystax, etc.,
and irritant medicines.

Symptoms.—Anorexia, ne pain on
manipulation of the epigastric region, abdomen
may feel full or may be tucked up, pain on
pressure, diarrhea fetid, sometimes profuse
and streaked with blood. The animal lies upon
its belly with elbows on the ground, appears to
be dazed and is. generally completely indiffer-
ent to its surroundings. Refusal of food is
persistent, the mouth has a sickly odor and the
mucous membrane appears of a dirty white
color. The temperature is generally raised two
to three degrees but drops to subnormal if the
case is going to terminate fatally. Emaciation
is rapid, the diarrhea and vomiting become
more persistent and finally deep coma sets in
in which the patient dies.

_ Treatment.—Treatment depends to a great
extent upon the etiological factor. If die to -
_ parasites whose presence can be definitely de-

_DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 383

termined by a microscopical examination of the

feces, a dose of calomel gr. 1 combined with a

suitable vermifuge, such as oil of chenopodium

M. 1 to 2 or santonin gr. 14 and chloretone
gr. 1 to 2 should be given.

Accumulatiors of hair may be diagnosed,

partly by the anamnesis and partly by the |
doughy feel of the stomach and intestinal tract —

and by an examination of the feces. A dose of
liquid paraffin followed by one of calomel will
as a rule effect the removal of the offending
‘matter, but in old debilitated animals recourse
may have to’be had to surgery. In these cases
the prognosis should be very guarded.

In cases where the cause cannot be definitely
ascertained, the possibility of distemper should
not be overlooked but the absence of other
‘symptoms will serve to eliminate this possibil-
ity. The contagious form of gastro-enteritis
‘should also be borne in mind but again that also
has distinguishing. features.

The general line of treatment to be followed
is first of all to eliminate the causative agent,
by a mild laxative such as an appropriate dose
of calomel (gr. 1) followed by gastric sedatives
and gastro-intestinal antiseptics such as chlore-
tone (gr. 1 to 2), bismuth subnitrate, (gr. 5),

salol (gr. 2) or formidine (gr. 3). The mouth ,

should be washed several times a day with*a
weak solution of boric acid or hydrogen perox-

“

84 DISEASES OF CATS

ide and the diet restricted to diluted milk, egg
albumin, or beef tea.

Food ‘should not be forced on the patient in
the early stages of the disease or until the stom-
ach has quieted down to some extent but food
should be given when the vomiting has been
more or less controlled.

The after treatment consists in a well regu-—
lated non-irritant diet such as boiled fish and
milk, a little finely scraped raw meat or boiled
liver. To keep the bowels in a fairly relaxed
condition, should constipation supervene as it
sometimes does, sardines and oil should be
given if the patient will accept them.

CONTAGIOUS GASTRO-ENTERITIS.

As before stated the pathological entity of
this disease is questioned by some authorities
who claim that it is only a phase of feline dis-
temper. However closely these two diseases
may be related theoretically the clinical pic-
tures are so different, that in view of the fact
that the actual etiological factor of neither has
been isolated, it seems to be more practical to
separate them, until such times as it is defi-
nitely decided to which category they belong.
Since Boucek isolated an ovoid bacillus clearly
of the hemorrhagic septicemia type while in- .
vestigating an outbreak of what appeared to
be contagious gastro-enteritis, further investi-

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 85

gation along that line should be profitable, and
at any rate suggests to the clinician the experi-
mental use of hemorrhagic septicemia bacterins
when confronted with this formidable and fatal
malady.

Etiology.—The causative agent has not a
been definitely determined; but an ultra visible
_ virus and the bacillus of hemorrhagic septi-
_ cemia both are suspected. In an epizootic of
enteritis among young kittens, Phisalix discov-
ered the colon bacillus, which is not surprising,
that organism being a normal inhabitant of the
intestinal canal.

Occurrence.—Adult “cats are mostly af-
fected, but no age is exempt. The disease is
extremely contagious and may destroy every
cat in a cattery in a very short period of time.
It. is very often quite difficult to trace the
source of infection, but often appears after cat
shows and appears to be introduced into the
cattery by animals that have been on exhibi-
tion. At other times, the first cases will de-
velop with no history whatever that can aid one
in tracing. the source of the infection. The
mortality is extremely high and every precau-
tion should be taken in the way of isolation and
sanitation.

Symptoms.—These develop suddenly and
with no premonitory signs. The first symptom
as a rule is vomition, or the passage of blood

86 DISEASES OF CATS

per anus. The first vomit generally contains
food, but later a thick slimy bile stained
mucus is ejected. At first thirst. is excessive
and the animal makes attempts to drink, vomit-
ing immediately afterwards; later on the
animal will sit over a dish of water or milk in
a half dazed manner and make no effort to lap
or swallow. There is from the first complete
anorexia, all food being absolutely: ignored.
Diarrhea is persistent, and frequent passages
of very fetid and blood stained feces take place.
Tenesmus and straining accompany defecation
and add materially their quota to the exhaus-
tion which is a prominent feature of the disease.
The abdomen is very sensitive to pressure.
Manipulation excites- moaning and crying.
The animal rapidly becomes semi-comatose,
dull and indifferent to its surroundings, lying —
on its belly, elbows on the ground, and remain-
ing immovable. The eyes are half closed and
the menbrana nictitans is protruded, half cov-
ering the pupil. The coat becomes dull and
stary, and soiled with vomit and fecal matter
which the animal makes no attempts to remove.
The mouth becomes septic and ‘emits a fetid
odor, the gums at first appear spongy, congest-
ed and bleed at the slightest provocation: The
buccal mucous membrane becomes the seat of
ulcerations and necrotic patches in which the
tongue is also involved. The necrotic processes

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 87

extend to the alveoli of the jaws, the teeth be-.

come loose, and sequestra form in the bones of
the jaw. Emaciation is rapid and the semi-
comatose state merges into complete coma, the
patient dying unconscious. In the first stages
of the affection the temperature runs high, but
as toxemia increases declines to normal and
then to subnormal as death approaches. The
visible mucous membranes are congested, and
often icteric. In some cases the necrotic
process extends to the posterior nares and there

is a slimy blood stained discharge from the nos-
~ trils which if not removed excoriates the nares
and lips. if

In cases less acute the symptoms are some-
what modified and are not so quickly developed
and the disease may assume a more or less
chronic form, gradually yielding to treatment.

The absence of a catarrhal discharge from
the nose and eyes and the fact that all the cases
in an outbreak show the same type of affection,
viz., gastro- -enteritis with necrotic stomatitis,
serve to differentiate this condition from feline‘
distemper in which disease the catarrhal and
pheumonic symptoms predominate, the gastro-
enteritic symptoms being subordinate when
present and in very many cases absent alto-
gether.

It should be noted that the virulence in .d**.
' ferent outbreaks varies very considerably, the

f f f

88 DISEASES OF CATS

disease appearing sometimes in a very mild
form and with only comparatively slight dis-
turbance, in others the disease runs a most’
malignant course with the above described
symptoms greatly accentuated. Other compli-—
cations sometimes arise as might be expected in
such a purely toxemic disease, the chief among
them being renal and cerebral.

Treatment.—Owing to the fact that the eti-
ological factor is unknown the treatment is
entirely symptomatic and based upon general
principles, but at the same time directed to re-
ducing the toxemia and eliminating and neu-
tralizing toxins. In the early stages when the
thirst is excessive and the power of lapping
and swallowing is still in existence, acetozone
1-1000 shoyld be given ad lib. and even later
on the mouth and nares may be washed out
with the same agent. To control the persistent
vomition-and relieve pain chloretone gr. 1 to 3
may be given, either in powder dropped on the
tongue and washed down with a little water,
or in capsules. :

Chinosol solution 1 to 1000 used both as a
mouth wash and internally gives excellent re-
sults, being non-toxic and having the advant-
age of being acid in reaction thus neutralizing
the secretions of the stomach which in this dis-
ease are always alkaline. For the same pur-
pose hydrochloric acid 1- 1000 solution may be

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 89

given every three or four hours in teaspoonful
doses. Hither the solution of acetozone or
chinosol should be given three or four times a
day and rectal injections of the same solutions
at least twice daily. Dosage of these two
agents is immaterial within reasonable limits
as both are practically non-toxic and non-irri-
tating in the dilutions named.

To stimulate elimination and also as a sys-_
temic stimulant, subcutaneous injections of
normal saline solution should be given daily
three or four ounces at a time. The mouth
must be kept.as clean as possible, by being fre-
quently washed out with antiseptic solutions,
loose teeth should be removed and necrotic
shreds trimmed off.

‘Until vomition is controlled it is hopeless to
try and give nourishment by the mouth and it
is not advisable to do so. - Rectal feeding has
been suggested but seems to do more harm than
good, consequently for the first twenty-four
hours all food should be withheld, after that al-
bumin, beef tea or beef jelly may be cautiously
administered in small quantities, but not per-
sisted in if vomition is occasioned.

The patient shoud be kept clean and free
from soiling by gastric or fecal discharges.
The lips and nose should also receive attention.
‘The patient should be kept warm and comfort-

90 DISEASES OF CATS .

able, being supplied with a hot water bottle if
cold and miserable. .

DIFFERENTIAL Diacnosis.—F rom feline dis-
temper, by the absence of catarrhal and pneu-
monic symptoms and by the extensive and
grave necrotic processes in the mouth. In dis-
temper the stomatitis has a different clinical
picture and is much more amenable to treat-
ment.

From simple ulcerative stomatitis, by the
absence or mildness of the systemic and gastro-
enteritic symptoms as compared with conta-
gious gastro-enteritis, and by the sporadic
nature of the former affection. _

From foreign bodies, obstruction of the
bowels, intussusception, etc., by the sporadic
nature of those affections, and by digital exam-
ination of the abdomen.

From poisoning, by the sporadic nature of
those cases, the anamnesis, and from the per-
acute symptoms peculiar to cases of poisoning.
The differential diagnosis from ptomaine poi-
soning is more difficult except that the latter is
non-contagious, and the nature of the vomited
matter is different. In ptomaine poisoning
vomiting although persistent is not so effective,
i.e., the stomach is not emptied so effectually
as in contagious gastro-enteritis, and the reac-
tion of the vomited matter at any rate in the
early stages of ptomaine poisoning is acid, that

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 91

of contagious gastro-enteritis is invariably
alkaline.

Ptomaine Poisoning

This affection is not of such frequent occur-
rence as in the dog, because the cat vomits with
even greater facility than the dog. Neverthe-
less cases do occur and are very fatal unless
prompt and rational treatment is instituted.

_ Etiology.—Bacterial toxemia from the in-
gestion of putrid and decaying food, putrid
meat, fish, canned goods, such as salmon, sar-
dines, corn, etc. The bacteriological flora pro-
ducing the condition are the same as in other
animals so no details are necessary in regard to
» them.

“ Symptoms.—Vomiting, abdominal pain,
bloody and offensive diarrhea, widely dilated
pupils, small weak but rapid pulse. The tem-
perature is at first elevated but may later on
become subnormal. Very great depression and
rapid exhaustion. Sometimes convulsions fol-
lowed by coma.

Treatment.—To produce emesis and expul-
sion of the offending material apomorphin in
doses varying from 1/830 to 1/20 of a grain
should be given hypodermically, and followed
by two or three ounces of a 1-1000 solution of
chinosol; if this is vomited it should be repeated
in half an hour. To clear the intestinal tract
calomel one-half to one grain combined with

92 __ DISEASES OF CATS

one or two grains of chloretone should be
administered. After the purgative has acted
bismuth subnitrate five grains may be given to
reduce irritability of the intestinal tract. Col-
lapse and depression in the later stages may be
combated by the hypodermic administration of
atropine sulphate in doses of 1/100th of a .
grain repeated as required or caffeine 1/8th of
a grain repeated as needed; the patient should
be made comfortable and kept warm, using a
hot water bottle if required. The after treat-
ment consists in restricting the diet to easily
digestible and non-irritant foods, offered fre-
quently but in very small quantities at a time.

The other conditions and diseases of the
digestive canal of cats offer no important dif-
ferences from those of the dog, with the pos-
sible exception of the anal glands. In the dog
impaction of these glands is of frequent occur-
rence, but in the cat rather the exception. The
anal glands on the other hand are more fre-
quently the seat of neoplasms in the cat than
in the dog.

Foreign Bodies in the Stomach
Although with cats the tendency to swallow
objects that are not food is not so common as
it is in dogs, the variety of substances which
may be swallowed either intentionally or acci-
dentally while at play is so extensive as to pro-

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 93

hibit a complete list; but sticks, stones, pins,
needles, bones, coins, and corks are among
those generally met with.

Symptoms.—tIn many instances the patient
shows no -ill effects unless the foreign body
either perforates the stomach or, passing on, .
blocks the intestines. Silver coins may remain
in the stomach for years and cause no illness
whatever, but copper ‘eoins undergo corrosion
in the stomach or intestine and in time cause
serious illness or death. In the case of pins,
hat pins, and needles, their presence in the
stomach is often unsuspected until an abscess
forms either in the esophageal region, between
some of the posterior ribs, or in the flank. The
history of the case should be obtained and the
habits of the animal inquired into, to determine
whether the patient has actually been seen to
swallow something, or is in the habit of picking
up and swallowing odds and ends. The most
prominent symptoms are attempts at vomiting,
poor appetite, general dullness and depression,
irregularity of the bowels, blood in the feces,
general unthriftiness, and emaciation.

An examination with the Roentgen rays
makes the diagnosis more positive. A careful
digital examination should also be made
_ through the abdominal walls, but this is very
often negative.

Treatment.—In the case of small articles,

94 DISEASES OF CATS

such as needles or small nails, the animal
should be fed on soft or doughy food in order
to inclose the foreign body during its passage
along the intestine. Thick porridge is of good
service here. An emetic of 1-20 to 1-10 grain
of apomorphin often proves effectual in ex-
pelling blunt objects. If the emetic is unsuc-
cessful, a cathartic should be administered.

In the case of hat pins, needles, meat skew-
ers, or similar articles, it is better to await
developments, since in the course of a few days
the point will often work out, causing an ab-
scess. \When this is lanced, the foreign body
_can be grasped and withdrawn; if a hat pin,
the head is cut off with wire cutters and al-
lowed to fall back into the stomach; the
abscess cavity must be treated antiseptically.
The patient usually makes a rapid recovery.
There is some risk of peritonitis, due to these |
substances perforating the stomach, but it is
remarkable how seldom this occurs. As a rule
adhesion takes place between the stomach and
the peritoneum, thus cutting off the peritoneal
cavity from infection. — Where large sub-
stances, such as stones, marbles, or large nails,
have been swallowed, and the diagnosis is posi-
tive, gastrotomy should be performed without
delay.

The popular dread of powdered glass is

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 95

founded on a myth. Animals may ingest it
without apparent harm.

For a description of symptoms, treatment,
etc., of the remaining pathological conditions
both medical and surgical of the digestive tract
_ the reader is referred to Canine Medicine and
Surgery, pages 55 to 65 inclusive.

Parasites of the Alimentary Canal

Ollulanus tricuspis, a small nematode worm,
found in nests in the mucous membrane of the
stomach. a .

Very often the presence of this parasite is
unsuspected and discovered only on post mor-
tem examination. Sometimes, however, in se-
vere infestations it produces chronic gastric dis-
turbances, anemia and marasmus. The same
parasite is also found in the lung tissue and is
often associated with the strongyle syntheto-
caulus abstrusus, producing broncho-pneumo-
nia. The intermediate stage of this parasite is
passed in the musculature of rodents.

Ascaris mystax is also found in the stom-
ach, more especially in kittens having migrated
there from its normal habitat in the small in-
testines. Sometimes the stomach is completely
impacted with this worm, usually with fatal re-
sults.

Ascarides infestation is far more serious in
kittens and in young cats than in adults, pro-

96 d DISEASES OF CATS

ducing if at all numerous digestive disturb-
ances, indicated by vomiting, diarrhea or con-
stipation, capricious appetite, anemia, and very
often epileptiform convulsions. In extreme
cases, the whole of the digestive tract may be
blocked up with masses of coiled up and inter-
woven parasites. The above symptoms, in ad-—
dition to the discovery of the parasites or their
ova in the feces, the pot-bellied appearance of
the animal and the doughy feel of the abdomen
on palpation, confirm the diagnosis. __

Cestodes.—The cestodes infesting the cat are
the Taenia crassicollis, Dipylidium felis and
Mesocestoides litteratus. The intermediate
stage of the T. crassicollis is passed in the liver
of rodents; the larval form is known as the
Cysticercus fasciolaris. The intermediate host
of the Dipylidium felis, the cat louse, or Tri-
chodectes subrostratus, the larval form being
the Cryptocystis subrostratus.

~The tapeworm Bothriocephalus latus is
also occasionally found, the intermediate host
being a fish such as pike or perch. The symp-
toms produced are an unthrifty condition, with
disorders of the digestive apparatus, sometimes
nervous manifestations such as convulsions and _
fits. Their presence is definitely established by
the discovery of segments or ova in the feces.

Other Intestinal Parasites—The only other
important parasites are the Ankylostomum fe-

~ “DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 97
lis (cati), or hook worm, which inhabits the
cecum and, being a blood sucker, produces
wasting and anemia, and the Oxyuris compar,
or seat worm, whied creates rectal and anal irri-
tation.

Taken all together, the symptoms of parasite
ism are by no means pathognomonic, and the
diagnosis should be clinical only by the finding

of adults, segments or ova in the feces.

_ Treatment.—Adult cats should -be starved
twenty-four hours and given a purgative to
clear the alimentary canal and allow the vermi-
cide to gain access to the parasites. The follow-
ing are useful agents for the removal of ascari-
~ des: calomel gr. i, santonin gr. 85, or oil of
chenopodium ™ i-ii, given in two drams of
_ glycerin or liquid paraffin. 3

Fluid extract of spigelia 5 to 10 minims com-
bined with fluid extract of senna is also very
efficacious and safe. For small kittens, after
_ fasting for some hours, syrup of iodid of iron
in doses of 10 to 15 minims is a safe and effec-
tual vermicide. If preferred, the syrup of
iodid of iron may be given twice daily for
three or four days, the smallest dose being em-
ployed for tapeworms. .

Areca nut from one grain up to half a dram
and made up in pills with butter gives good
results if given to the fasting animal and fol-
lowed with a purge such as calomel or rhubarb.

98 DISEASES OF CATS

Ethereal extract Filix mass in doses of 5 to
10 minims may also be given and is very effec-
tive, but some degree of caution is required to
regulate the dose on account of its toxicity.
Preference should be given to agents that can _
be administered in capsule or pill form as, if |
the drug used is of nauseous taste, the animal |
may refuse to eat after its administration. :

For ankylostomiasis, thymol or oil of cheno-
‘podium should be given and followed by a
course of iron tonic to correct the anemia. The
syrup of iodid of iron is very suitable here, or
if preferred the ordinary five-grain Blaud pill
may be substituted for the syrup.

For seat worms, rectal injections of vermi:
cides such as infusion of quassia, solution of
sodium chlorid; sulphate of iron, etc., should
be employed and repeated daily for several
days. j

t CuapreR IV
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES:

, Feline Distemper
Distemper is a contagious and infective dis-
~ ease of cats, that occurs either in sporadic or
epizootic form. It is chiefly disseminated by
means of cat shows, dealers’ shops and humane
societies’ homes for lost and strayed dogs and’
cats. One attack does:not confer immunity ; if
anything, it rather predisposes to future at-_
tacks. Many cats, however, have a natural im-
munity, and possibly some few may acquire it.
The virulence of the infection varies in dif-
ferent outbreaks, being more intense in dis-
tricts or countries in which it first makes its ap-
pearance or which have been free from it for
some time. Wet, damp and cold weather and
unhygienic living places are predisposing
causes. ‘The period of incubation is relatively
long, varying from one to three weeks. +
Etiology—tThe etiological factor has: not
yet been determined, although many organisms’
have been suspected, and the general consensus
_of opinion is that the disease is due to some
ultra-visible virus and that the other organisms
occurring during the course of the malady are
only secondary invaders, but at the same time
may be responsible for some of the symptoms
which manifest themselves a the progress

of the disease.
£ 99

100 DISEASES OF CATS #

Cats showing no symptoms of the disease
and in perfect health may be carriers of the
infection. This is especially true of the female,
- who may infect litter after litter of kittens, al-

though apparently in every way normal her- —
self.

S ymptoms. —The symptoms are complex
and varying both in individual outbreaks and
also in the individual. The disease may attack
the respiratory, digestive, or cerebral systems,
either singly, consecutively, or simultaneously.
and with varying intensity. Thus in some cases
the purely catarrhal form, unaccompanied by
any other manifestations, may occur; in others,
the symptom complex may occur, or rarely,
the digestive tract may be the seat of the main
invasion. —

Cerebral symptoms are rarer than in the dog,
and seldom appear as primary, but generally
appear in the later stages of the disease, if at
all. The following is a description of a typical
case, but it must be remembered that all of
these symptoms may be modified or intensified
according to the virulence of the infection and
the resistance of the patient.

The onset of the disease is usually ushered
in with rigors, but these are-often unnoticed, as
the patient generally seeks to hide at the first
feeling of malaise. The animal is dull, fever-
; ish, and seeks the warmth of the stove or-fire.

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES 101

The temperature at this stage is elevated sev-
eral degrees, later it falls, and is variable
throughout. It may-even, in unfavorable cases,
fall to subnormal. The visible mucous mem-
branes are found to be dry, hyperemic and
_ swollen; there may be coughing, sneezing, and
- choking.

Later there appears a catarrhal dischatge
from the nose‘and eyes, at first watery, but rap-
idly becoming purulent; the conjunctiva be-
comes much swollen and may protrude between
the eyelids; the cornea is-occasionally the seat
of ulcerations, which, however, very seldom
cause perforation as in the case of the dog.
Very rarely, however, the whole eye becomes
attacked with a panophthalmitis and is entirely
destroyed (this nearly always occurs in kittens
infected at birth or before we eyes have
opened).

Salivation 3 is noticed, the saliva being thick,
sticky and ropy, ineffectual efforts at swallow-
ing it result in choking noises and often vomi-
tion. Upon examination of the mouth the
mucous membrane is found to be congested,
swollen and with little points of ulceration.
dotted over the surface, the pillars of the fauees ©
are swollen and ulcerated and covered with a
sticky mucus. The gums are spongy, bleed
easily, and are ulcerated around their dental
margins. Fetor oris is well marked.

102 DISEASES OF CATS

-. In ‘severe cases, in which the pharyngeal
. lesions are accentuated, the infection extends
up the eustachian tubes, producing purulent
otitis, and is usually fatal. ‘Depression i is well
‘marked, anorexia complete, but thirst 1 is €xces-
sive; vomiting, however, unless the case is com-
plicated with severe gastro-intestinal symp-
toms, is not very persistent, being chiefly ex-
cited by the decrelions of the mouth and’ pha-
a

In the absence of. gastro- -intestinal compli-
cations, constipation is usually present, but
may give way to fetid diarrhea if the lower ali- .
mentary tract is involved.

_» In contra- distinction to ‘tie dishotipes of the’
Aas extension of infection to the bronchi and
lungs is comparatively rare, but if such hap-
pens the symptoms of bronchitis and pneumo-
nia either separately or associated, as the case
may be, make their appearance. The temper-
ature rises, the rate of respiration is acceler-
ated and the usual signs can be detected on
auscultation and percussion. Unlike the bron-
cho-pneumonia of the dog, which is the typical
pneumonia of distemper in that animal, the
pneumonia of*the cat is usually atypical; that
is to say, it may appear in the croupous. form,
the catarrhal, or associated with pleurisy, i. e.,
pleuro-pneumonia. -Pleurisy, in-fact, is a.com-

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES 103

mon complication to the pneumonia of feline
distemper.

Coincident with the foregoing symptoms
signifying the involvement of the stomach and
intestines, may appear persistent vomition, the
frequent passage of fluid and offensive feces,
‘sometimes blood-stained, pain upon abdominal
palpation. Emaciation is gradual but steady
except in mild cases that can be induced to take
nourishment. ;

Nervous symptoms such as convulsions,
“spasms of groups of muscles, or deep coma,
may occur.

In some cases the pharyngeal symptoms pre-
vail, the catarrhal and gastro-enteric being
‘subordinate, the latter sometimes completely
absent,’ the former always present, but some-
times much modified; in these the general tox-
emic symptoms develop very rapidly, the, pa-
tient lapsing into deep coma ending in death.

Pregnant cats almost invariably abort.

. Treatment.—In the absence of exact know]-
edge of the causative factor all treatment must
of necessity be symptomatic and therefore to
some extent empirical.

- From close observation and careful review .
‘of the initial symptoms and further course of
~ the disease, the author came to the conclusion
a good while ago that the primary infection -

104 DISEASES OF CATS

takes place in the pharynx and tonsils and
therefore considers that every effort should be
made to disinfect, if possible, the pharyngeal
and tonsillar areas. Clinical results when such
efforts have been made have shown the efficacy
of them, whether or no the hypothesis is cor-
rect. To that end, therefore, the nasal cham-
bers, mouth, pharynx and tonsils should be
douched with a 1/1,000 solution of chinosol,
the solution should be syringed up the nostrils
with a small syringe (a fountain pen filler is
just the thing), the liquid being forced into
the pharynx; the mouth should then be washed
out with some of the same solution and about
one to two ounces given as a drench.

This method of treatment should be institut-

ed immediately symptoms appear and should |
be continued daily until convalescence. In the
initial stages of the disease the douchings
should be given at least three times a day, but
as improvement takes place once daily is suffi-
cient. ;
_ Constipation should be corrected with small
doses of calomel and the other complications”
treated as they arise, and according to their na-
ture. The basic principle in the treatment is
the disinfection of the alimentary tract.’
Collapse and exhaustion may be treated with
hypodermic injections of normal saline solu-
tion, atropin or cafeine.

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES ~ 105

Diet should be restricted to very small-quan-
tities of albumin and water, beef tea or jelly,

diluted milk, ete, until the acute stage is
passed, when the quantities may be cautiously
increased. :

During convalescence an iron and quinine
tonic may be given with advantage and the diet
should be of easily digested and highly nutri-
tious aliment.

Throughout the course of the disease the pa-
tient should be kept clean and comfortable, and
the infectivity of the affection should never be
lost_sight of, every effort being made to prevent
the spread of infection to other cats. -

Seeing the serious and treacherous nature of
this disease and the losses sustained by owners
of high-priced cats, it is hoped that more atten-
tion will be paid to this disease in the future
and that investigations will result in a biologic
agent of prophylactic or curative properties
that will enable the practitioner to treat it with
more confidence than is possible at the present
time. .

Feline Diphtheria

This is an infective disease of cats character-
ized by inflammation of the pharynx, with the
formation of false membranes, and profound
toxemia. This disease, one of the most fatal
that affects cats, the mortality being about
ninety percent in some outbreaks, has the char-

~

’

106 DISEASES OF CATS

acteristics of the diphtheria of human beings,
with the exception that the bacillus of Loffler
has not been isolated from the lesions. Never-
theless it is probably very closely allied to hu-
man diphtheria, as the disease responds favor-
ably to the antitoxin for diphtheria of the hu-
man. Some authorities, both medical and vet-
erinary, claim and counterclaim that it is one
and the same disease and vice versa. The con-
fusion arises, in the author’s opinion, from the
fact that the cat, not only can, but does suffer
from human diphtheria, the Loffler bacillus
being easily demonstrated in such cases, and it
is also an accepted fact that the cat may be a
carrier of human diphtheria. Whether or not
cat and human diphtheria are identical is of
little importance to the clinician, but of the
gravest import to the public health officer. Act-
ing on the supposition that the disease may be
human diphtheria or’ that cat diphtheria and
human diphtheria may be the same, the infected —
cat should be given no opportunity of spread-
ing infection.

Symptoms.—The disease is ushered in by
general malaise, rigors and suspension of appe-
tite. The temperature is raised, and Jassitude
is well marked. Saliva dribbles from the
mouth, which is often held partially open;
breathing is partly oral, somewhat labored and
accomplished with a wheezing, bubbling sound.

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES 107
f
A discharge, clear and watery at first, later be-

coming of the color of blood serum, exudes
from the nostrils and eyes. Sneezing and
coughing occur, the cough being painful and
repressed. ‘ «me 2

Upon examination of the throat it is found .
“somewhat painful to outside pressure and the
pharyngeal mucous membrane and that of the
- soft palate is seen to be congested and covered
with a diphtheritic membrane. The mouth
emits a foul odor and there is often an offen-
sive diarrhea. The disease develops very rap-
idly, and the animal soon shows signs of a gen-
eral toxemia, becoming at first semicomatose,
with widely dilated pupils, perfectly indifferent
to surroundings, but moaning or crying out if
disturbed. In course of time the. intoxication
-becomes more and more profound, the animal.
finally dying either in dese coma or in convul-
sions.

Acute cases of sphihetia& in cats hat ter-
minate fatally run their course in twenty- -four.
hours or less. e

Treatment.—At the very onset of Khe symp-
toms a full dose of diphtheria antitoxin should
be administereed hypodermically. One-grain.
doses of calomel should then be given and the.
~ douching of the nose, mouth and pharynx car-
ried out as advised for distemper. The anti-.
toxin may be repeated with advantage i in twen-.

108 DISEASES OF CATS

ty-four hours after the first dose and, if neces-
sary, the dose may be increased with perfect
safety.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis in the cat is of far more fre-_
quent occurrence than is generally supposed
and is of importance from a public health
standpoint. The disease may be contracted
from the ingestion of tuberculosis milk, which
is probably the most frequent source of infec-—

- tion, or from association with tuberculous per- °
sons. The possibility of a tuberulous cat infect-
ing children must not be overlooked, as cats are
nursed and kissed by the little ones, and often
sleep in the same bed with them.

Adult cats are the most frequent sufferers,
the disease seldom appearing in kittens, al-—
though it is possible, as in children, that infec-
tion may take place at an early age and remain
latent until adult life is reached. The most
frequent seat of the primary lesions is the ali-
mentary canal, from which it may spread to
every organ in the body.

The acute miliary, pulmonary and pleuritic
tuberculosis so often found in cats is nearly al-
ways secondary and very seldom of primary >
origin. e

Symptoms.—Gradual but _ progressive
emaciation, the loss of flesh being particularly

_ well marked over the parietal region and along

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES ~ 109

the back. The eyes become sunken, and if
renal tuberculosis is present, amaurotic, or less
frequently there is an iritis or choroiditis, and
sometimes detachment of the retina.

There is a persistent cough and sometimes -
mucus is coughed up and expelled, but is usu-
ally swallowed and so escapes notice.

There may be intermittent diarrhea unless’
the enlarged mesenteric glands cause partial
obstruction of the intestines, in which case there
is constipation. ‘ The animal loses strength very
_ rapidly, is incapable of any exertion, exhibiting
panting and marked distress if made to move
quickly.

If the liver is affected or the tubercular mes-
-senteric glands or masses of deposit in the ab-
- dominal cavity cause portal obstruction, ab-
dominal ascites occurs. This often takes the
form of chylous ascites, the transuded fluid be-
ing milky and containing much fat. It should
be noted, however, that chylous ascites is not
pathognomonic of tuberculosis as it may occur
from anything that causes portal obstruction.

The appetite is variable and is usually sus-
pended towards the end, the temperature is
fluctuating, rising to 105° F. and falling again
to normal. If the lungs and pleura are attack-
ed the ordinary symptoms of pleuro-pneu- .
monia are present and can be tecognized by
ordinary diagnostic methods. The “pecans -

110 ~ DISEASES OF CATS |

lymphatic glands are often involved, fistulae
forming that discharge a sticky fluid that
_ gums the hair in the region of the throat. The
skin of the lips, throat, breast and between the’
paws is often the seat.of ulceration that shows
no tendency to heal under the most painstak-
ing treatment, but rather to spread and involve
more tissues. Wounds show no tendency to
heal, but rather to become necrotic.
Diagnosis.—The suspicions aroused by the
above symptoms may be confirmed by the tu-
berculin test and by the discovery of the bacil- —
lus of tuberculosis in the bronchial discharge,

in the feces or in the thoracic or abdominal
fluids.

The dose of tuberculin is from one to five
minims, and is administered hypodermically.
The temperature should be taken every hour
after injection, as the reaction, if it occurs,.
reaches its height at about the fifth hour. The
ophthalmic test is said to be unreliable, but this
is contrary to the author’s experience. The in-
tradermal test deserves a trial, as there are
many cases in which the temperature reaction

cannot be applied or relied on. The enlarged oe Tg

mesenteric glands can be palpated . easily
through the abdominal walls. : .

Treatment, needless to say, is not justifiable
owing to the risk to human beings.

sg CHAPTER V.

EXTERNAL PARASITES AND DIS-
EASES OF THE SKIN

Pediculosis or Lousiness , .

Cats are very subject to infestations of lice,
and more especially so if debilitated from dis-
ease or old age. The lice belong to the phylum
Arthropoda, natural order Rhynchota, which
comprise the two main families, the Hemato-
pinus and the Trichodectes.

The Hemotopinus are true bloodsuckers, the
Trichodectes surface feeders, puncturing the
skin and living on the exuded Juices. The cat
is more commonly affected by invasions of one
of the Trichodectes, viz., the Trichodectes sub-
rostratus, but sometimes harbors a Hemato-
pinus, common also to the dog, the Hemato-
pinus piliferus. _

-Symptoms.—Both varieties produce a der-
matitis, which is increased by the animal’s ef-
forts at biting, scratching, and rubbing, in the
vain attempt to gain surcease from the contin-
ued irritation.

The irritation produced deprives the animal
of rest and it becomes debilitated, and in ex-
treme cases emaciated. The hair loses its lus-
tre, is stary, becomes full of dandruff, and falls
- out in patches. The skin becomes the seat of

excoriations and sores from the animal’s efforts
111

112 _ _ DISEASES OF CATS

at relieving the irritation, becomes thickened,
and there is marked desquamanon of the epi-
thelium.

On close examination the nits or ova cases
are seen clinging to the hairs. The parasites
may be found either with their heads burrowed
into the skin or moving about over the surface.
The favorite locations of the lice are on the
head at the base of the ears, under the chin, on
the breast, around the shoulders, along the.
‘back and at the root of the tail.

If infested with Hematopinus well marked
anemia is added to the clinical picture, and
-emaciation and prostration may be extreme,
the animal passing into a state of marasmus,
often ending in death, if relief is not obtained.
Treatment.—In slight cases where clipping
is objected to, the coat should be well brushed,
all matted masses of hair removed, and as many
of the parasites as is possible removed with a
fine comb. An infusion of stavesacre 1 to 20
should then be applied and well worked into
the hair and skin. The process should be re-
peated several times.

In young cats or in cases that are debilitated,
chinosol 1/500 may be substituted for the infu-
sion of stavesacre, as there is some slight risk
of toxic effects from the latter.. Nits can be
removed from the hair by the application of
vinegar or dilute acetic acid.

{

PARASITES AND SKIN DISEASES 113

In all cases the premises should undergo a
complete disinfection. To counteract the de-
bility and anemia a full and generous diet and
a course of hematinics should be prescribed.

In addition to its importance as a skin para- ;
site, the Trichodectes is, as has been before
mentioned, the intermediate host of the Dipy-
lidium felis, so that its eradication is of double
significance.

Fleas

The fleas belong to the natural order Sipho-
naptera, of which the Ctenocephalus felis is the
flea peculiar to the cat. The Pulex irritans
or the flea infesting man, and the Ctenocepha-
lus canis, or the dog flea, are also found at
times infesting the cat.

Clinically, all fleas produce the same results, »

’ .viz., irritation and dermatitis and have a harm-

ful effect on the condition of the animal by in-
terfering with its rest. At the same time, fleas
do not produce such bad effects as lice except
very occasionally, when the same symptoms as
described for lice are noticed..

Treatment.—The same treatment as advised
for lice is effectual, or the animal may be dust-
ed well with pyrethrum powder and rolled up
in a towel for ten minutes and then well
brushed. Spirits of camphor sprinkled on a
rough towel in which the cat is rolled is a very
cleanly and efficacious way of destroying fleas.

“114 ae DISEASES OF CATS

The fleas migrate to the towel, becoming stupe-
fied, and the towel is then plunged into boiling
water. This method is recommended for long-
haired cats, or cats requiring: treatment Just
previous to a show, as the gloss of the coat is
not interfered with.

_ The Ctenocephalus felis passes the whole of

its life history on the cat, thus differing from
the C. canis and P. irritans, which: pass their
larval stages away from their host; in cracks
and crannies in the’ floor, walls, ete., of the
kennel or living quarters.

. Mange .

~The cat suffers from two forms of mange:
(1 ) Notoedric; (2) Otodectic. The. parasite
causing Notoedric mange is the Notoedres mi-
nor felis cati (formerly known as the Sar-
coptes minor cati). It belongs to the natural
order Acarina, Family, Sarcoptidae.

‘The Notoedres differ from the Sarcoptes
scabiei in that the body is smaller, somewhat
more circular, the dorsal spines being replaced
by concentric rings, and the fact that the anus
is dorsal instead of being terminal.. In common
with the sarcoptes; the ambulacra terminate
in suckers mounted on unjointed pedicles,
which eave: the ambulacra at an angle. - Both
are ‘burrowing mites. The above description is
given, since a positive, diagnosis of mange can

i . =

ee

PARASITES AND SKIN DISEASES _ 115

-be made ail upon the discovery and dace gnt:
tion of the- parasite.

In order to determine the presence of the
- parasite it is necessary to get a deep scraping
of ‘the skin. . This can be done by first of all’
removing superficial scales and debris and then

. with a blunt knife scraping the skin until blood

oozes. The material thus obtained is now
boiled for ten minutes in a ten per cent solution

_of potassium hydroxid and allowed to settle
or is centrifuged. The supernatant fluid is de-
canted off and the residue transferred to slides
and examined microscopically under low mag-
nification.

_ Symptoms.—The eaipantics are seseuitially
eee of a dermatitis, manifested by. irritation,
reddening and thickening of the skin, desqua- -
mation of epithelium and Joss of hair. The.
pruritis is intense and the. animal inflicts con-
siderable damage to the skin by its persistent
rubbing and scratching. :
~ Inan advanced case the primary skin lesions

are entirely masked by those resulting from
self-inflicted injuries, but if seen in the early
‘stages the skin is seen to be covered with little
red’ papules, “somewhat like | flea bites; these
‘exude'a drop of serum ‘and the hairs become
‘matted together. Later patches of skin be-
‘come bald, covered with scales and ‘very much
thickened. * Desquamation and ‘piling up of the

116 DISEASES OF CATS

epithelium are very characteristic of mange in
the cat, the skin becoming wrinkled and cov-
ered with a thick coating of scabs. The per-
sistent and intense pruritis gives the animal no
rest, and it gradually loses in condition, becom-
ing debilitated and sometimes marasmic.

Treatment.—Treament is difficult and in ad-
vanced cases none too satisfactory, especially
as the predilection seat of the parasite is the
face, nose, lips, around the eyes, chest, legs and

claws. From these regions it may, of course,

involve the whole body. The hair should be
clipped and the scabs removed, as far as possi-
ble, by washing with an alkaline solution and
soft soap. A five per cent oinment of salicylic
acid should then be rubbed in very thoroughly
to remove the epithelium, followed by daily
inunctions of sulphur ointment, a useful com-_

bination being sulphur 1, potassium carbonate
p, lanolin 4.

Around the eyes and on the eyelids chinosol
solution, 1/500, or balsam of Peru, one part,
lanolin eight parts, may be used. The inunc-
tions should be repeated every three days and
the treatment persisted in until the growth of
new hair shows the disease to be controlled. It |
is often an advantage in protracted ‘cases to
change the applications occasionally from oily
dressings to watery, and vice versa. — |

‘PARASITES AND SKIN DISEASES 117

Otodectic Mange or Ear Mange

The parasite causing ear mange is the Oto-
dectes cynotis felis (cati) and belongs to the
Sarcoptide, being closely related to the other
members of the same family, i. e., the choriop-

- tes, differing from it only by the eo of
the ambulacral suckers.

A brief description may be of use and inter-
est. All legs are marginal, male with bilobed
extremity to abdomen, copulatory suckers,
ambulacral suckers; in the female, on the first

-and second pair, on the first, second, and —
third, pair of legs in the male. The ambula-
cral suckers are almost sessile, the pedicle being
very short. The parasite is considerably larger
than the Notoedres and is visible to the naked
eye, being easily seen moving about in the
debris of the external auditory canal. The
predilection seat of this parasite is the ear flap,
the external auditory meatus and external
auditory canal. It does not wander from these
locations.

Symptoms. —The irritation due to the inva- .
sion of the parasites sets up an otorrhea of
the:external auditory canal, manifested.by the
discharge of a dark colored and offensive exu-
date, pruritis, ulceration of the ear flap and
auditory canal, and the formation of granula-
tion tissue. The patient is-continually shaking
its head, scratching at the affected ear, or rub-

118 ‘DISEASES OF CATS

bing it along the ground. Manipulation is
painful and is resented. Upon examination,
the ear flap is. seen to be soiled with a dark
_ colored discharge, which collects in the convolu-
tions of the concha, and which issues from the
external auditory canal. If looked for care- —
fully, the parasite can usually be seen as a
minute speck moving among the debris. In
advanced cases the ear flap, meatus and canal
may be the seat of ulcerations, in which cases
the parts are exceedingly tender, and the dis-
charge is more offensive. In other cases gran-
ulations block up the canal and meatus so that
an inspection of the interior is impossible. In.
long-standing and neglected cases, infection
may extend to the middle ear and to the men-
inges, when symptoms of cerebral mischief will.
develop. ~ |
Treatment.—The preliminary step is a com-:
plete clean-up of the whole external auditory
apparatus, and this is best accomplished by fill-.
ing the ear with hydrogen peroxid to loosen
up accumulations of wax and discharge, fol-
lowed by the use of a cotton wool swab. After
the ear has been freed from all filth it should
be well dried and the following lotion poured —
into-the canal and smeared all over the ear flap,
taking care to reach all crevices: Beta napthol
dram 1, ether drams 8, olive oil drams 2. The
meatus should be plugged with a piece of wool

\
PARASITES AND SKIN DISEASES 119

immediately the lotion is poured in to prevent
the too rapid evaporation of the ether. The

applications should be made daily for three
~ days, when the ear should again be thoroughly
~ cleaned out and filled with an antiseptic dust-
ing: powder, such as formidine, chinosol and
_ boric acid, one in three; methyl-ditannin, bis-
muth, formic iodid, etc. _

If granulations are present, attempts: may
be made to reduce them by the application of .
_ silver nitrate or they may be removed with
scissors or scalpel under anesthesia. There is
no successful treatment, if cerebral symptoms
develop. - oO

Hematoma of the ear flap is a common com-
plication, but its treatment in no way differs
from that of the same condition in the dog. |

Dermatomycosis

The dermatomyces affecting the cat are
Trichophyton, Microsporon, and Achorion,
the first two named causing ringworm, the lat-
ter favus.

Trichophytosis and microsporosis in no way,
differ in type from. the ringworms affecting
other animals. Favus is more particularly
peculiar to the cat and therefore it alone will
be considered here. a
- The fungi responsible for the condition are
_the Achorion quinckeanum and. Achorion

120 DISEASES OF CATS

Schénleinii. The parts commonly affected are
the paws, head, forehead, ears, and lips.

_ Symptoms.—On the parts affected, circular ,
raised patches covered with yellow crusts and
varying in size from that of a pin head to that
of a five-cent piece, are observed. As the
crusts grow older they become gray in color
-and more powdery. If the crusts are removed,
a cup-like depression is seen, the marginal skin -
being inflamed and indurated.
The lesions spread from the periphery, the
hair being destroyed and circular bald patches
remain. The lesions under the crusts are at
first moist. with serum, but this soon dries up,
leaving the patch covered with powdery scales.
Irritation is not very marked, and there are no
constitutional disturbances. The fact that
favus is transmissible to the human being
should not be lost sight of and the proper pre-
cautions must be taken to prevent the spread
of the disease.

Treatment.—The hair should be clipped off
the affected parts and burned immediately.
The crusts should be removed by soaking with
a strong solution of carbonate of soda and
scraping, and the parts painted with tincture
of iodin, a five per cent solution of silver ni-

trate, or given an inunction of iodin ointment
well rubbed in.

wd

PARASITES AND SKIN DISEASES ~ 124

The disease is sometimes very obstinate and
the treatment should be given daily until a cure

is effected. In all cases the antiseptic used

should be applied to the surrounding parts _
around the periphery of the lesions and not |
only to the lesions themselves.

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