Glanders
This is one of the most fatal diseases to which the horse is subject. It is propagated in most cases by contagion, the infection being disseminated by seed from the nasal discharge, not, as many suppose, by the breath. According to eminent foreign authors, the disease has its origin also in a vitiated state of the blood, and this may result from improper treatment or neglect of almost any disease to which he is liable. In its early stage it appears to be only a slight inflammation of the inner membrane of the nose, not, however, attended with the usual florid red characterizing inflammation, but of a paler hue, and afterwards becoming darker. The first marked symptom is a discharge from the nose, scarcely to be distinguished at first from the natural moisture, either by its color or consistence, and generally coming from one nostril only, and that the left one. In appearance it is thin and transparent, closely resembling the natural discharge, a little increased in quantity, and sometimes continues in this doubtful stage for several weeks or months. Instances are indeed known where it has existed for several years before it became fully developed. In such cases it is attended with no loss of appetite, no cough, or apparent illness of any kind, with little enlargement of the glands under the jaw, and at the same time the horse is capable of communicating disease.
Too many of these horses, with a decided glanderous discharge from the nose and adherent glands under the jaw, are found on our roads, or are employed in agriculture, which (although they are otherwise in good health, and perform their work well) should not be permitted; for by such means the contagion is widely spread. No cough accompanies real glanders in any of its stages, except the last, which is usually soon cut short by death.
In addition to the preceding tokens for discovering at an early period the true glanders from other disorders, let the nostrils be closely examined. In the real glanders, the left or running nostril will be found of a deeper color than ordinary, while the other, or dry nostril, is of a paler color, or almost white.
The reader must bear in mind the varied color of the nostril in deciding all cases of this character. Also that in colds, etc., both nostrils run.
Before the disease finishes its course, both sides of the nose and head become affected—the ulcers extend down the windpipe, and fasten upon the lungs. The virus, secreted by and discharged from the ulcers, is absorbed and carried through the whole system, and soon puts an end to the creature’s miserable existence. The best preventives of glanders are dry, clean, well-ventilated stables, moderate exercise, green food, when it can be procured, and roots in the winter.
The disease may be cured in its early stages, or before ulcers are formed in the nose, or the lumps under the jaw adhere to the bone, by turning the animal on a dry pasture, by proper attention to the bowels, and by use of alterative medicines, to work the poisons out of the system. Should the bowels require loosening, give the common purge. For purifying the blood, the condition powder is the most effectual remedy. The owner must beware of putting the horse to hard labor too soon, after having been turned out as before directed, as the disease is liable to return on subsequent confinement, even after the running at the nose has entirely disappeared. It is conceded by all, that when this disease is once seated, it cannot be cured; and humanity dictates, and economy should prompt us to terminate the animal’s existence at once. This course has now become an imperative duty, as the fact is established that man is susceptible to the contagion; and there are numerous cases on record where those who have had the care of glandered horses have fallen victims to this disease.