x LIBRARY NEW YORK STATE VETERINARY COLLEGE ITHACA, NEW YORK Cornell University Library RA 1231.L4H28 Investigation of live-stocl( conditions a 3 1924 000 268 189 Date Due Mar ^ 1957 1 ---— . K*. ^ PRINTED m U. S. A. m Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924000268189 INVESTIGATION OF LIVE-STOCK CONDITIONS AND LOSSES IN THE SELBY SMOKE ZONE BY C. M. HARING IN COOPERATION WITH K. F, MEYER WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFHCE 1915 ^vl V V'M,;|; L Vl-il-i; M U/A:Y 0(' ' n n /. R s^ INVESTIGATION OF LIVE-STOCK CONDITIONS AND LOSSES IN THE SELBY SMOKE ZONE BY C. M. HARING IN COOPERATION WITH K. F. MEYER WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFHCE 1915 ^ ^^ ^%rT H2.3 INVESTIGATION OF LIVE-STOCK CONDITIONS AND LOSSES IN THE SELBY SMOKE ZONE. By C. M. Haring, in cooperation with K. F. Meyeb. INTRODUCTION. REASONS FOB THE INVESTIGATION. In September, 1913, the Selby Smelter Commission petitioned the director of the California Agricultural Experiment Station, stating that they were unable to obtain qualified assistants to make a vet- ermarv survey of the region between VaUejo and Benicia and report the pathological findings in animals that might die in that region. As this commission is an impartial body, appointed by a court of law, it seemed desirable as a public-service project to assist the commission. At the request of Mr. Ralph A. Gould, the secretary of the Selliy Smelter Commission, I was authorized by Dr. Thomas Forsyth Hunt, director of the California Agricultural Experiment Station, to cooperate with the Selby Smelter Commission. POINTS TO BE INVESTIGATED. In consultation with Mr. Gould it was decided to make a survey of the hve-stock conditions in the so-called "Selby smoke zone," situated in Solano County between VaUejo and Benicia. I was especially directed by Mr. Gould to determine the cause of any deaths that would occur in live stock and to report the autopsy findings in detaU. PLAN OF ORGANIZING THE WORK AND MSTHOES OF PROCEDURE. At my suggestion, Mr. Gould asked Dr. K. F. Meyer, D. V. M., pro- fessor of bacteriology and parasitology, to act with me in this inves- tigation. We employed William La Grange to take a census of the live stock and report on the methods of care and feeding in the area alleged to be exposed to smelter smoke. Mr. La Grange was especially qualified for the work on account of his extensive experience with live stock under California conditions. He is a graduate of the University of California College of Agriculture. He made a census of the live stock on 30 ranches and established a card system for identifying and reporting the condition of each animal. He arranged with the owners to phone the veterinary office, University of California, in case any of the animals developed sickness 474 LIVE STOCK CONDITIONS AND LOSSES IN SELBY SMOKE ZONE. 475 or died. Mr. La Grange made weekly visits to the smoke zone during November. After that the work of observation was continued by Raymond S. Adams, Santa Cruz, Cal. His observations were sup- plemented by occasional visits by Dr. Meyer and myself. The following veterinarians have also assisted us at various times: Chester L. Roadhouse, D. V. M., associate professor of veterinary science in the University of California. Fred M. Hayes, D. V. M., assistant professor of veterinary science at university farm, Davis, Cal. Fred J. Wood, D. V. M., late veterinarian for the bureau of agri^ culture, Philippine Islands. Dr. Roadhouse, Dr. Wood, and I also had an opportunity to tour the Selby smoke zone on July 15, 1914, with the following eminent veterinarians : Veranus A. Moore, M. D., D. V. M., dean of the New York State Veterinary College, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. H. C. Gardner, D. V. S., Anaconda, Mont., veterinarian for the Anaconda smelter. John Ernst, D. V. M., 125 East Fourth South Street, Salt Lake City, consulting veterinarian for the International Smelting Co. LIVE=STOCK CONDITIONS IN THE SELBY SMOKE ZONE. The area covered by our survey of the region alleged to be exposed to the smoke from the Selby smelter included 32 farms and small , places lying between Vallejo and Benicia. Our observations were made on the following dates: L913. Oct. 28. Haring and Meyer performed autopsy at place of witness No. 11. 31. La Grange visited ranches. Nov. 4. Do. 7. Do. 8. Two of the horses of witness No. 23 were taken to Berkeley. 10. Haring and Bell performed autopsies at place of witness No. ll and at place of witnesses Nos. 1 and lA. Specimens delivered to Meyer. 18. Meyer and Haring performed autopsy at place of witness No. 6. 20. La Grange visited ranches. 22. Do. 1914. Jan. 21. Adams visited ranches. Feb. 7. Do. 14. Do. 23. Do. 24. Roadhouse and Hayes operated on horses of witness No. 23 at university farm, Davis. One was killed and larynx delivered to Meyer. Mar. 7. Adams visited ranches. Apr. 11. Do. 13. Do. 476 REPORT OF THE SBLBY SMELTER COMMISSION. 1914. Apr. 17. Hayes and Adams visited ranches. 18. Adams visited ranches. Horse of witness No, 23 was returned to Benicia. 21. Hayes and Wood immunized hogs at place of witness No. 6 and visited several other ranches. 30. Adams visited ranches. May 1. Do. 15. Wood and Adams visited ranches. June 15. Roadhouse and Hayes operated on horse of witness No. 6 in San Francisco. July 8. Haring visited ranches. 15. Haring, Roadhouse, and Wood, accompanied by Moore, Gardner, and Ernst, visited ranches. 18. Wood visited ranches. During the period of this investigation of the Hve-stock conditions on the 32 places above mentioned, there were inspected 308 horses, 315 cattle, approximately 900 sheep, and about 500 swine. These figures represent the number of animals ipspected in bands or herds at pasture, or in corrals or pens, and also include 283 horses which were carefully observed, attention being given to each individual. The average conditions under which these animals are kept may be summarized as follows: HOBSES. So far as the land, forage, and climate are concerned, the region between VaUejo and Benicia woidd seem to be suitable for the raisiag of horses. With the exception of the frequency of unsoundness in wind, which is described later, the condition of the horses will average about the same as in the regions of this State that are agri- culturally similar. However, with a few exceptions, the horses are mediocre animals, and most of them would be classed as ordinary farm stock of no particular breed, the adult animals ranging in weight from 900 to 1,600 pounds. Some of the horses have the appearance of being "Standard bred," but of recent years there has been no market for good driving horses, and I doubt whether the best of these would bring over $150 a head if put at auction. There are a few teams of medium heavy horses that might bring ,|400 to $500 a span. Many of the animals are either aged or young and unbroken and would be hard to sell at $75 a head. Most of the horses, except those that are being used for general farm work or teaming on the roads, are turned out on pasture. In the late winter, spring, and early summer of this year the feed was abundant. Last fall the field feed consisted of dry grass pasture and stubble fields, and in a few instances marsh or tule land. During the winter many horses were put up in barns during storms and fed grain haj' without grain. In the late fall and early winter some of the animals that had not been caught up and fed were very rough looking and in poor condition of flesh owing to lack of feed. LIVE STOCK CONDITIONS AND LOSSES IN SELBY SMOKE ZONE 477 Several of the farmers still fear that injurious fumes are coming from the Selby smelter and for that reason some bring the more valuable horses into the barns at night, believing that they are thus protected. There is an unusually large percentage of horses in the smoke zone affected with roaring, a condition caused by the paralysis of certain nerves in the throat. This we (Haring and Meyer) attribute to injury by emanations from the Selby smelter. However, we have not been able to find any case that has developed between March and July, 1914. A detailed description of the cases of roaring in horses is given on subsequent pages. WORK STOCK. When worked the main source of sustenance for the horses is grain hay without grain. Some owners supplement this with rolled barley. BBOOD MABES. Some of the mares are worked up to within a short time of foaling and then turned out on pasture or stubble fields and allowed to run out with foals until weaning time. At the place of witness No. 6 two very old animals with the suckling colts were fed a mixture of brown sugar, rolled barley, and alfalfa meal twice a day and ran out on pasture the rest of the time. YOUNG COLTS. Young colts are allowed to run out the year rounid in stubble fields and grass pasture, being fed a little hay in stormy weather and allowed to get shelter under sheds in some instances. The photograph reproduced as Plate XXXIX, A, was taken July 7, 1914. The colts belonged to witness No. 12. The view of their environment is typical of the average pasture conditions in South Solano County and the smoke zone. CATTLE. With the exception of the large dairy of witnesses Nos. 1 and lA, there are comparatively few cattle in proportion to the size of the farms. This, however, can not be attributed to fear of their being poisoned by smelter fumes, as all of the cattle owners, with one excep- tion, reported that they believed no losses had ever occurred in cattle from "smelter poisoning." Witness No. 1 claimed that possibly two of his heifers had been "smeltered" and gave me an opportunity to autopsy them. The post mortem examination proved that they were severely infected with tuberculosis. No indications of chemical poi- soning could be detected. During the late fall and winter the condi- tion of the stock cattle in the smoke zone was bad, owing to lack of feed- 478 EEPOET OF THE SELBV SMELTER COMMISSION. On account of the dry year, the pastures were poor. On th(?. lafgest dairy ranch about all the dry cows and heifers had to eat during December and January was a poor grade of oat straw. The milk- ing cows are fed hay and at a few places they also get concentrates during the fall and winter. They are fed and milked in barns. During the spring and early summer the pastures furnish enough to insure a milk flow. The stock cattle run out on grass pastures and stubble fields the year around. In the fall and winter of unusu- ally dry years, like 1913, it is necessary to feed a little hay or straw. Some of the cattle are pastured on low tule lands and swamps near. the bay. SHEEP. The sheep graze in stubble fields and grass pastures the entire year. In some places they are corraled at night as a protection against dogs aild coyotes. During the winter, I was told, it was necessary to feed a little hay during stormy weather. No recent losses attributable to smelter smoke were reported by any of the shoop owners. HOGS. On most of the farms there are only a few hogs and these are maintained largely on the refuse from the houses. Witness No. 137 feeds a large number of hogs on the by-products of their creamery at Benicia, supplemented with a certain amount of mill feed. No losses in hogs which we (Haring an(] Meyer) attributed to smelter smoke were reported by any of the hog owners. OCCURRENCE OF ROARING IN HORSES IN THE SELBY SMOKE ZONE. Between October 28, 1913, and July 18, 1914, twelve cases of roaring (hemiplegia or diplegia laryngis) have been observed in the Selby smoke zone by veterinarians of the University of Cahfornia. Following is a description of these cases: CASE 1. Owner: Witness No. 6. Location: Pastured on ranches rented bj' witness No, 11. Usually at rancli of witness No. 9. Description: Aged bay mare with colt at side. On October 28, 1913, Drs. Meyer and Haring and Mr. Wells went to one of the Selby Smelter & Land Co. ranclies, rented by witness No. 11, to make a post mortem examination of a horse (see case N) that had died on October 24. The carcass was so decomposed that the post mortem gave little information worth recording. While Drs. Meyer and Haring were working on the decomposed carcass the owner, who was working in an adjoining field, came, BUREAU OF MINES BULLETIN 98 PLATE XXXIX £ 1* ^ I W b |m|.^ Km^u^%. -^ , ^fl'!.'///J -/i^. ^. f1 N ^fe-ilH ^^^MgjSMu ^P^^^^HIrvw^i Ikj^ y ■■ --.■- • mMii^buA..-.iA ■v/ ■' :. ^^r^;^*^^^^ *«|^ ■r> '?;^ ^^ A. YOUNG COLTS RUNNING LOOSE ON STUBBLE FIELDS AND GRASS PASTURE IN SMOKE ZONE. B. HORSES IN SMOKE ZONE. ANIMAL FARTHEST TO LEFT IS "CASE 2.' f -.&>- ^.--2^ C. MARE, DESIGNATED "CASE 4." PERSONS SHOWN, FROM RIGHT TO LEFT, ARE V. A. MOORE, H. C. GARDNER, JOHN ERNST, F. J. WOOD C L. ROADHOUSE. LIVE STOCK CO:sDITIONS AND LOSSES IN SELBY SMOKE ZOXE. 479 and later Dr. C. Massero, a veterinarian of San Francisco repre- senting the Scdby Smelting & Land Co., came over the hill. After cutting up and inspecting the decomposed carcass, we all went across the field to inspect the band of horses with which the dead animal had been pastured. Employees of witness No. 11 drove these past us and up a steep hill. The only one noticed to be abnormal in any way was the bay mare with a colt at her side which I recorded as case 1. This animal, when exercised by running uphiU, exhibited great difficulty in breathing and emitted a loud roaring sound in breathing, which, according to the owner, he had not observed in her before. Following is a statement of the symptoms observed on this date: Symptoms of Case 1, October 28, 1913. The animal is rather thin, but the general appearance is healthy. After a short period of exercise the nostrils become widely distended and trumpet shaped. Respi- ration is labored, the inspiration sound being roughened and audible several yards distant. On galloping uphill inspiration sounds become very loud and strident, clearly audible at a distance of 100 paces; intereostal spaces sink in deeply on inspi- ration, making the ribs stand out with great prominence. Phe coughed several times with a wheezy tone. After two minutes' gallop severe dyspnoea developed, animal stumbled, made convulsive movements with neck and front limbs and would undoubtedly have fallen if exercise had been continued. On resting the symptoms rapidly diminished in intensity and to a person a few feet distant she showed no signs of unsoundness on standing at rest. Symptoms, November 7, 1913. Animal was seen by Mr, La Grange. He reported that she was in thin condi- tion, coughed, discharged from nostrils, showed labored breathing on slight exer- cise, and was about ready to die. Witness No. 11 told him that the mare belonged to witness No. 6 and that for about 18 months she had been on the ranches leased by witness No. 11. Previous to this it was reported that she had been in a runaway in San Francisco and after that had been shipped to this locality. Most of the time she had been at pasture on the place of witness No. 9. Previous to foaling she had been driven some. Until the latter part of October, 1913, no abnormal symptoms were observed by witness No. 11. Symptoms, November 10, 1913. The mare died in the morning of this day and was opened by Drs. Haring and Bell. The paits of the carcass that were abnormal in appearance were taken to Berkeley and delivered to Dr. K. F. Meyer. Their description is given in his part of this report. Field notes of Dr. Haring. Following are the field notes taken by Dr. Haring on this date: 11 a. m. Witness No. 11 says mare has been on his ranches one and one-half years and that she is 6 years old. He sticks to this opinion in spite of evidence by the teeth that the mare is much older; objects to an autops/until he can call his veterinarian, but finally consents since we have already opened the animal. The body of the mare is in the swamp northeast of the residence of witness No. 11, the maie having been moved here several days ago from the field where she was observed on October 28. 86308°— Bull. 98—15 32 480 EEPOBT OP THE SELBY SMELTEB COMMISSION, The skin is still warm, showing that the animal has just died. There are no external evidences of disease or violence. On dissecting the body and making a hasty exami- nation, all organs and tissues appeared normal except the following: The anterior lobes of both lungs were emphysematous. The principal lobe of each lung contained in its inferior part a hepatized and gan- grenous area about 6 inches in diameter. This was not sectioned, as we wished to keep it intact for Dr. Meyer. The pleural cavity contained about 2 quarts of clear serum with some yellowish iibrinous exudate floating in it. The heart surface was noticed to have numerous ecchymotic and petechial areas. There was some clear seruni in the pericardial sac. The left ventricle of the heart and the anterior and posterior aortas, carotid, and axillary arteries contained a large antemortem blood clot. The stomach was empty except for about 2 quarts of turbid water. A few small bots (gastrophilus equi larva) were attached to its walls. (The lungs, heart, trachea, larynx, and part of the tongue were taken to Berkeley.) Report of Dr. Meyer. Report of Dr. Meyer is as follows: On November 16, 1913, 5 p. m.. Dr. Bell brought to the laboratory the respiratory tract, heart, and liver of a horse. History of the specimen: Mare, owned by witness No. 6; pastured by witness No. 11 of Benicia; died November 10. Autopsied by Drs. Haring and Beil. The anatomical findings were as follows: The tongue is dark bluish; the larynx intensely reddened ; the epiglottis presents marked ramifications. Both lateral pouches are filled with greenish-yellow exudate; the left side of the mucous membrane is more intensely reddened than the right. The left cricoarytsenoideus muscles on comparison are flatter and lighter in color than the right; the larnyx is somewhat compressed from the left side; the left recurrent nerve is short (onlyl inch long), apparently somewhat darker in color, and flat. The right nerve, long, white, and soft. Thyroids are apparently normal; left somewhat smaller than the right. The mucous membrane of trachea is covered by smeary, adherent, grayish -yellow, flocculent puslike material. There is marked injection and ramification of the lining. At the bifurcation of the trachea there is a brownish-yellow, frothy exudate. Also in the main bronchi similar brownish-black, fetid-smelling material is found. Mucosa is entirely covered by the exudate; when washed the membrane is slate colored. A Slight (compensatory) emphysema k found in left anterior lobe of the lungs. The pleura is infiltrated and gelatinous. Interstitis are distinctly gelatinous, and several foci of grayish discoloration are seen in the anterior part of the principal lobes. Some croupous pneumonic foci, the size of an apple, are seen in this region. These areas contain necrotic tissue of a gi-eenish, smeary color and consistence. In another por- tion' of the principal (left) lobe, a greenish discoloration indicates another cavity with necrotic contents. The connecting bronchi are filled with a yellowish-green exudate. Throughout the left principal lobe the bronchi are surrounded by greenish discol- ored lung parenchyma. In the anterior lobe the interstitise are very large and bulo-- iug over the surface. These surround a yellow, gelatinous cavity, the size of a v\>-b,lnut. with brown-reddish, bad-smelling contents; the wall is fluffy and does not show anv distinct wall. Several smaller cavities, surrounded by pneumonic foci of catarrhal character, are seen. Thi-oughout the right principal lobe the bronchi are filled with a purulent exudate. Mediastinal lymph nodes are soft, enlarged, medullary on section. In some cortical parts, yellowish puslike areas are numerous. LIVE STOCK CONDITIONS AND LOSSES IN SELBY SMOKE ZONE. 481 Heart": Aloug the auricular groove is i)etecMse and ecchymosis. On right ventricle are small hemorrhages and fibrous filaments. Blood fairly well coagulated, sepai-ated in chicken-fat clot and soft clot. Myocardium is fairly solid, but dry. Some areas are of yellowish discoloration. Valves are normal (blood culture from coronary artery). Liver: Surface is covered with fibrous filaments. Several areas of soft yellowish color with central necrosis are in the middle lobe. Acini not very distinct; sections have a turbid, fatty color. The blood culture revealed numerous cocci and bacilli which were not identified. Anatomical diagnosis: Gangi-enous pneumonia of both lobes of the lung, purulent bronchitis and tracheitis. Slight atrophy of the left side of the larynx; parenchyma- tous organs show signs of degeneration. Cause of death: Septicemia due to gangrenous pneumonia, the latter being the result of aspiration of foreign bodies (food?) on account of disturbed function of the larynx and pharynx (probably neuroparalysis). Microscopic examination eft pieces of the recurrent nerves: Small pieces of the right and left recurrent nerves, which were taken as close as possible to the muscles, were fixed in formalin and sectioned, stained as usual, for connective tissue, myelin, etc. By comparison with normal nerves a slight increase of connective tissue with round cells around the bundles was noted; the number of bundles is reduced. The ^ differences between the right and left nerves are not marked and in no way conclusive. Epicrisis: Macroscopically, a distinct atrophy of the muscles of the larynx indicated a neuritis or neuro-degeneration of the innervating current nerve. The microscopic examination of a small portion of the nerve failed to reveal distinct advanced lesions. The affection is apparently of recent date and more along the line of disturbed function than marked anatomical alteration of the nerve structure. CASE 2. Owner: Witness No. 11. Location: Place of witness No. 9, rented by witness No. 11. Description: Iron-gray mare witli two white hind feet; face white below forehead. Age, 4 years; weight 1,000 pounds. Witness No. 11 reported that mare had been running at pasture for over a year. In the latter part of March, 1914, he had hitched her to a buggy and driven her about 12 miles. He observed that her respirations w'ere abnormal. Symptoms, April 21, 1914. On this date she was exammed by Dr. Hay ^ , Dr. Wood, and Mr. Adams. She was among a bunch of horses at pasture and_ it was with some difficulty that she was corralled. During this activity and after beiag caught she did not show abnormal respirations when the amount of exercise is considered, but when first starting to run had a short coughing spell. The owner stated that he had observed this coughing once before. The respiratory sounds over the trachea seemed to be somewhat coarser than the normal. According to Dr. Hayes there appeared to be a slight atrophy of the left superior laryn- geal muscles. 482 REPORT OF THE SELBY SJEELTER COMMISSION. Symptoms, July 15, 1914. She was observed by Dr. Haring and Mr. Nye at pasture with five other horses on the place of witness No. 9. On galloping across the pasture she coughed three times in a roughened wheezy way. Her nostrils dilated wider than any of the horses with her and remained dilated for several minutes after the canter, while the nostrils of the horses which had accompanied her showed no dilation. Report of Dr. Wood, July 18, 1914. She was seen by Dr. Wood on this date. Following is his report: After running in the pasture for a few minutes this mare showed dilation of the nostrils with rapid respiratory movements. This dilation of the nostrils was not noted in the other horses although they were subjected to the same amount of exercise. No cough noted. The photograph reproduced as Plate XXXIX, B, was taken on the place of witnes,^ No. 9 July 8, 1914. The six horses belong to witness No. 11. The animal farthest to the left is case 2. CASE 3. Owner: Witness No. 6. Location: Was known to be on the ranches of witness No. 11 until November, 1913, when she was taken to the ranch at Elliott Cove. Description: Black mare, aged, weight about 1,000 pounds, wire cut on right front foot. On November 10, 1913, seen at pasture at Elliott Cove ranch by Dr. Haring and Mr. La Grange. When at rest the mare appeared normal, but when driven up the pasture at a slow trot she developed a strident sound on inspiration that was typical of roaring. The nostrils became abnormally dilated and Dr. Haring was able to completely wind the animal in five minutes by running after her in the pasture. On palpation the superior muscles on both sides of the larynx were observed to be atrophied. The sounds continued after the animal had been cornered and brought to a standstill, but on reducing the size of the nasal openings by pressure of the fingers over the false nostrils the inspiratory sounds ceased, but began again on removing the pressure. Pressure on the larynx increased the abnormal respiratory sounds. After standing three minutes the sounds disappeared and the nostrils contracted to normal dilation. Pressure of the larynx between the thumb and fingers produced a fluttering sound during inspiration. Temperature, 100.8. Pulse and heart sounds normal. Lung tones loud but not abnormal. Observations, November 18, 1913. Mare reported to have been found dead. LIVE STOCK CONDITIONS AND LOSSES IN SELBY SMOKE ZONE. 483 Observations, November 20, 1913. Autopsy performed by Drs, Meyer and Haring. The anterior lobe of the left lung was found to have several pockets containing food. Cause of death probably due to pneumonia, due to inhalation of food particles. For autopsy notes see the following report of Dr. K. F. Meyer. Post-mortem, report on the horse owned by witness No. 6. November 20, 1913: Medium nourished brown mare, about 16 years old; diod on November 18, 1913. Cadaver placed close to the hole where the 6wner intended to bury it. The lower part of the limbs had been cut and the abdomen opened by the owner. The intestines were found in the burial place; most of the organs badly decompused. The lungs were examined as far as possible. In the anterior part of the left principal lobe several cavities, varying from the size of a cherry to that of a nut, were found. Each cavity contained a liquid, dirty, brownish mass, which contained particles of feed (hay and grain). The surrounding of the cavities was solidified and mostly yellow reddish in color; distinctly granular. In the bronchi and trachea a considerable amount of greenish, granular, clumpy material. The mucous membrane dark black, thickened, and rough. The larj'nx showed a distinct thickening of the mucous membrane, blackish dis- colored, and is covered with a clumpy, yellowish exudate; muscles soft and decom- posed. Apparently the larynx is asymmetrical. The recurrent nerves are soft and discolored. Anatomical diagnosis. — Gangrenous pneumonia, due to aspiration of food particles. Asymmetrical structure of the larnyx. Septicemia. A histological examination of pieces of the recurrent nerves revealed only autolj'tic changes due to decomposition. CASE 4. Owner: Witness No. 23, Benicia. Location: Eanch of witness No. 32, rented by witness No. 138. Description: Bay mare; aged; weight about 975 pounds; white star and small white stripe in face, black stockings, white left front foot. History: According to the owner and witness No. 138 this mare had been on the ranch of witness No. 32 for a number of years, and symptoms of unsoundness in wind had been present for several yegrs and have gradually been growing worse. Symptoms, November 7, 1913. Seen by Mr. La Grange. Although more suitable for a roadster, at present the animal is being worked in a plow team, it being possible to work hor about fom' hours per day. Arrangements were made by Mr. La Grange to ship this marc to Berkeley, the owner to be paid $50 in case the animal is injured or killed. Symptoms, November 8, 1913. Animal arrived in Berkeley. On examination by Drs. Haring and Meyer and Keed the following observations were noted: General appearance healthy but rather thin . Mucous discharge occasionally from left nostril; submaxillary glands slightly enlarged. Breathing normal when at rest: 484 EEPOET OP THE SELBY SMELTER COMMISSION. insijiration roughened when first trotted, later very labored inspiration and respiratory noise typical of roaring. After driving 4 minutes iip hill respiration very labored and 44 per minute; active movements and abnormal dilation of nostrils, type of breathing costal abdominal, perspiration copious, labored locomotion. After 45 seconds' rest the strident respiratory sounds ceased. The conjunctival mucous mem- branes were slightly injected and became more so after driving. In the opinion of Dr. Meyer and Dr. Reed the loft .side of the larynx was slightly flattened, showing an atrophy of the last superior laryngeal muscles. Blood examination showed the red and white corpuscles to be normal in number and the various kinds of leucocytes to be in normal proportion. Hemoglobin normal. Symptoms, January 15, 1914. No change noted since November 8. The mare was transferred to the University Farm, Davis. Symptoms, February 23, 1914. No change fiad been noted since January 15, 1914. The appearance and temperature of the animal while at rest was normal. On exercise she showed the abnormal respir- atory symptoms already described. After driving rapidly for one-third of a mile the animal was allowed to stand and in four minutes all abnormal respiratory symptoms had disappeared. Palpation of the larynx revealed atrophy of the superior laryngeal muscles on both sides and a tentative diagnosis of diplegia laryngis was agi'ced upon. Symptoms, February 24, 1914. The mare was operated on in a standing position after the manner of Williams and Frost. On opening the larynx the muscles controlling the left arytenoid cartilage were seen to be completely paralyzed and those of the ]'ight to be partly paralyzed, verifying the diagnosis on the previous day. The operation was successfully completed although the cricoid cartilage became cracked. Symptoms, April 18, 1914. The animal appears to have completely recovered. No abnormal respiratory sounds or symptoms appear even during violent or prolonged exercise. She was returned to the owner at Benicia. Symptoms, July 8, 1914. Witness No. 138 reports that for some time after her return from Davis the mare was perfectly sound, but lately she has been showing a return of her old sj^mptoms. On examination by Dr. Haring he noticed that she held her head slightly extended as if her throat were sore. On palpation of the larynx he noted that it was hard and stiff, and when pressure of the fingers was made it felt like a mass of solid bone instead of the normally elastic cartilaginous box. In his opinion a chondroma was developing. Symptoms, July 15; 1914. Mare was inspected by Drs. Haring, Roadhouse, and Wood, accompanied by Drs. Moore, Gardner, and Ernst. No change was noted since July 8. The photograph reproduced as Plate XXXIX, C, was taken July 15, 1914, at the ranch of witness No. 32, Benicia, Cal. From right to left, V. A. Moore, Ithaca, N. Y.; H. C. Gardner, Anaconda, Mont.; John Ernst, Salt Lake City, Utah; (case 4, mare); F. J. Wood, Berkeley; C. L. Roadhouse, Berkeley. LIVE STOCK CONDITIONS AND LOSSES IN SELBY SMOKE ZONE. 485 CASE 5. Owner;. Witness No. 23, Benicia. Location: Ranch of witness No 132, rented by witness No. 138. Description: Black mare; aged; weight about 900 pounds; white stripe below right eye; white left hind foot. Poor teeth, thin condition. History: Eeported to be a daughter of case 4, having been for many years on the ranch of witness No. 32 and used with case 1 for a driving team and later when symptoms of unsoundness developed they were used mostly for light farm work. Symptoms of unsoundness in wind have been present for several years and have gradually been growing worse. Symptoms, November 7, 1913. Same history as case 4. Symptoms, November 8, 1913. Animal arrived in Berkeley in company with case 4. The description given for caae 4 wUl apply in most particulars to this animal. She was somewhat thinner and weaker than No. 4, bvit the respiratory difficulty was not quite so pronounced. Decembeb 19, 1913. Taken to the University farm, Davis, with case 4. Symptoms, February 23, 1914. Similar symptoms as those described on this date for case 4. Palpation of the larynx revealed atrophy of the superior laryngeal muscles on the left side of the larynx and a tentative diagnosis of hemiplegia laryngis was agreed upon. Symptoms, February 24, 1914. The animal was secm'ed in a standing position and a local ansesthetic administered. The larynx was opened by making an incision through the sldn and cryco-thyrodean ligament on the median line and parallel to the long dimension of the larynx. An inspection of the interior of the larynx through this opening showed that the loft arytenoid cartilage remained motionless while the right one moved in a normal man- ner in accordance with the animal's respirations. This verified the tentative diagno- sis of the day before of hemiplegia laryngis. It was decided to kill the animal. Follow- ing are the autopsy notes furnished by Br. Roadhouse; Data Shown by Post-mortem oe Case 5. Lungs: The middle lobe of the left lung was adhered to pleiu-a over an area of about 1 by 3 inches. The periphery of the principal lobe was thin and unfunctionattng, this area being about 2 by 5 inches. The right lung adhered to the right wall over an area about IJ inches in diameter. Liver: The liver was normal in size. Its anterior border adhered to the diaphragm. Two concentric hepatic calculi, calcareous nodules (parasitic nodules) were found in the periphery of the liver. Colon: The large colon was adhered to the liver. Measurements were taken of the heart and sent to Dr. K. F. Meyer. The larynx was removed and sent to him. All organs and tissues, except those above mentioned, were normal in appearance. 486 EEPOET OF THE SBLBY SMBLTEK COMMISSION. Results op Examination of Larynx of Case 5 by Dk. K. P. Meyer. On February 26, 1914, examination was made of a specimen of the larynx of case 5, which had been fixed in formalin. Notes thereon are as follows: The larynx has been opened in its upper part; also wounds in fii-st cartilage ring of the trachea and in the left pouch are present. On reconstruction the larjoix is aaym- metrical, the left side of the vocal cord is closer to the median line than the right. The muscles are apparently slightly flattened on the left side, but no differences in color are noticed. The left recurrent, being rather long, is close to the insertion in the muscles; flat and thin compared with the right nerve. The difference exceeds the physiological limit, but no change in color is apparent. Diagnosis. — Atrophy of the left recurrent nerve, and arytenoid muscles of the larynx . The histological examination showed a general reduction of nerve bundles at the cost of connective tissue growth, which was also seen in the right recurrent. According to the microscopical examination, the inflammatory process of the recur- rent nerves, which is responsible for the muscular atrophy, was bilateral and would ha^■l;■ finally led to a diplegia laryngis. CASE 6. Owner: Witness No. 4. Location: Ranch of owner. Description: Dark bay gelding; aged; gray white forehead and white right hind foot. Symptoms, November 4, 1913. Observed by Haring and La Grange while in road; horse pulling up grade showing distressed breathing. Symptoms, May 15, 1914. Examined by Wood and Adams. They detected atrophy of muscles on left side of larynx. No abnormal respiratory sounds noted while at rest, but roughened breathing could be produced by compressing the larynx. On account of objections by the owner, there was no opportunity to exercise the animal. CASE 7. Owner: Witness No. 4. Location: Ranch of owner. Description: Sorrel gelding, aged 10 years Three white feet and blaze on face. Symptoms, November 14, 1913. Seen by Haring and La Grange. Owner claimed the animal was "smeltered " but objected to an examination. Symptoms, May 15, 1914. Examined by Wood and Adams, Slight atrophy of left superior laryngeal muscles No respiratory trouble was noted, but on account of the owner's objections the animal could not be exercised. CASE 8.0 Owner: Witness No. 13. Location: Ranch of owner. a See Plate XL, A and B. LIVE STOCK CONDITIONS AND LOSSES IN SELBY SMOKE ZONE. 487 Description: Black mare; age, 14 years; weight, abovit 1,400 pounds. Il(^ported by owner to have been of unsound wind for a number of years. Large hernia on left side. Examinations Made. October 31. 1913, examined by La Grange and noted to be of unsound wind. February 7, 191-1, examined by Adams and condition noted. M'arrh 7, 1914, examined and observed to be in same condition as at previous in<]iec1ion. May I, 1914, mare had foaled recently and had developed a large rupture on left side. Mav 1.5. 1914. examined by Wood and Adams; condition unchanged. July 8. 1914, examined by Harinii. Owner says unsoundness in wind has not changed for years. The symptoms were as follows: Atrophy of both superior laryngeal muscles, but especially marked on the left siile. Respirations and lung tones normal while animal is at rest. Compression of larynx produces fluttering sound during inspiration. On trotting slowly for 100 yards, typical symptoms of roaring developed, including dilation of and extremely active movements of the nostrils, strident sounds during inspiration, and labored costal abdominal breathing. July 15, 1914, examined by Moore, Gardner. Ernst, and Roadhouse, and pronounced a typical roarer. CASE 9.1 Owner: Witness No. 12. Location: Ranch of owner. Description: Bay gelding; age, 11 years; two white feet behind. Owner says animal has been unsound in wind for past six years. ExAMixATioN.s Made. (Dctuher 31, 1913, examined by La Grange and unsoundness noted. November 22. 1913, examined by La Grange. No change in condition. February 7, 1914, examined by Adams. No change in condition. March 3, 1914. examined by Adams. No change. May 15, 1914, examined by Wood and Adams. No change. July 8, 1914, examined by Haring. Symptoms since last fall have remained con- stantly as follows: General appearance healthy, but rather thin. Breathing normal when at re.st; inspiration roughened when first trotted; later very labored inspiration and strident respiratory noise typical of roaring which occurs only during inspiration. Nostrils are ^•ery active, dilating widely on inspiration and closing to normal on expiration. After prolonged severe exercise the nostrils remain widely dilated and trumpet-shaped during both expiration and inspiration and face becomes wrinkled from the efforts of respiration. During inspiration abdominal muscles contract vigorously, inter- costal spaces sink in, and ribs become prominent. Palpation of larynx shows atrophy of superior laryngeal muscles on both sides of larynx. July 15, 1914, case was seen by Drs. Haring, Roadhouse, and A\'ood in company with Drs. V. A. Moore, H. C. Gardner, and John Ernst, and pronounced to be a typical case of roaring of the diplegia laryngis type. • See Plate XLI, A. 488 EEPOET OF THE SELBY SMELTER COMMISSION. CASE lO.a Owner: Witness No. 12. Location: Ranch of owner. Description: Bay gelding; star and stripe on forehead; aged; lower lip pendulous. Examinations Made. October 31, 1913, examined by La Grange and unsoundness noted. Thin and in poor condition. November 22, 1913, examined by La Grange. No change. February 7, 1914, examined by Adams. No change in condition. March 3, 1914, examined by Adams. No change in condition. May 15, 1914, examined by Wood and Adams. No change. July 8, 1911, examined by Haring. No change. July 15, 1914, examined by Haling, Boadhouse, and "Wood, accompanied by Moore, Gardner, and Ernst. The symptoms were similar to those described for case 9, except that in this animal they are more pronounced. Case 9 outwinded this mare, although No. 9 was drawing a buggy and No. 10 was led behind. This animal showed atrophy of superior laryngeal muscles on both sides. CASE 11. Owner: Witnesses Nos. 1 and lA. Location: Dairy of owner. Description: Buckskin mare; black points; white feet; blazed face; weight, 1,300 pounds; age, 8 years. Examinations Made. November 10, 1918, examined by Haring. Owner reported case to be of long standing. Was a roarer when he bought her. When worked she showed typical symptoms of roaring. Vibrations can be felt over larynx. Atrophy of left superior laryngeal muscles. February 7, 1914, examined by Adams. No change. March 3, 1914, examined by Adams. No change. April 11, 1914, examined by Dr. Hayes. No change. CASE 12. Owner: Witness No. 135. Location: Benicia, at owner's place. Description: Bay gelding; stripe on forehead v^-^ white hind pas- terns. Age, 13 years. ExAMiN.\.TioNS Made. November 22, 1913, examined by La Grange, and unsoundness noted. March 7, 1914, examined by Adams. No change. April 21, 1914, examined by Hayes and Wood. Marked respiratory sound on inspiration. Pressure on larynx increases sound of breathing. Horse is so thick about the larynx it is impossible to palpate the superior laryngeal muscles. Animal gives characteristic sounds of roaring. PROBABLE CAUSE OF LARYNGEAL PARALYSIS IN TWELVE CASES MENTIONED. The symptoms manifested in the above 12 cases are typical of the usual type of roaring due to hemiplegia or diplegia laryngis. u See Plate XLI, B. LIVE STOCK CONDITIONS AND LOSSES IN SELBY SMOKE ZONE. 489 The detection of muscular atrophy of the larynx in 10 of the cases clinched these diagnoses. Five cases showed atrophy of the superior laryngeal muscles on both sides. In cases 4 and 5 the effects of the paralysis in producing the partial closure of the glottis were seen through an incision into the larynx. This proved the correctness of the diagnosis beyond all controversy. Dr. James Law in his textbook of veterinary medicine has given a clear description of this appearance, which I quote as follows: ■ The modus operandi of this paralysis and wasting in the production of roaring is beautifully seen when the upper part of the windpipe is laid open eo as to expose tlie interior of the larynx in laryngectomy. The triangular opening of the glottis is seen fairly dilated while the muscles are relaxed in the act of explication . As soon, however, as inspiration commences the left arytenoid cartilage slides completely into the passage, its lower border projecting so much to the right that it forms a prom- inent crest extending beyond the median line and in some cases closely approaching the right wall of the larynx, the superior elastic and free border of the same cartilage meanwhile gets drawn inward by the suction power of the air so as to block up the passage still more. The closure of the glottis being thus seen to be largely controlled by the current of inspired air, it becomes evident that any increase in the force of the cuiTent will aggravate it and a decrease will lessen the extent of the closing and alleviate the distress of breathing. This fact explains why roaring should not be heard in quiet breathing and why it should increase in force and in pitch as the respiration becomes more and more hurried . It further accounts for the noise being heard only diu^ing the act of inspiration, the outer rush of the air in the expiratory act being of itself sufficient to carry this valvular cartilage out of the passage and secure a free and unimpeded current. Roaring in horses due to laryngeal paralysis is described in nearly all books treating of diseases of the horse. I would refer particularly to the f oUowmg : Special report on diseases of the horse: Dept. of Agr., 1907, pp. 117, 210, and 223. Veterinary pathology of Friedberger and Frohner, translated by M. H. Hayes, vol. 2, pp. 686-691. Pathology and therapeutics of the disease of animals by Hutyra and Marek, authorized American edition of 1913, pp. 729-736. Textbook of veterinary medicine, by James Law (second edition), vol.1, pp. 146-161. It is beUeved that there are a number of conditions that may bring on paralysis of the larynx in horses, and authorities differ as to what is the most frequent cause. Friedberger and Frohner attribute it chiefly to heredity. Hutyra and Marek say it is usually due to the after effects of infectious diseases. The fact that 50 per cent of the affected horses showed atrophy of the superior laryngeal muscles on both sides of the larynx eliminates the probabiUty of inheritance, after effects of infectious diseases, pressure of enlarged bronchial glands on the left recurrent laryngeal nerve as it rounds the aortic arch, and other pathological conditions that usually affect only the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. 490 EEPOET OP THE SBLBY SMELTER COMMISSION. LITERATXTRE ON THE PULMONARY SYMPTOMS OF PLUMBISM IN HORSES. Most writers mention chronic lead poisoning as one of the causes of roaring. The following most important references to observations concerning the relation of chronic lead poisoning to roaring in horses include the literature on this point so far as we have been able to find it: Schmidt, Prussian Report, 1879, reports: In the neighborhood of lead smelters, horses frequently become affected by lead, with symptoms of difficulties in breathing only. Disturbances of nutrition and other specific symptoms were entirely absent. Mosslemann and Hebrant, Belgian Annals, 1899, report: Eight horses on a farm which was situated one-half kilometer from lead works be- came affected with lead poisoning. A 3-months-old foal showed symptoms of foal evil. Two others, stiffness of the back and limbs. An old mare became affected with hemiplegia laryngis; was cured with treatment of potassium iodide. The same horse showed, later, during feeding, acute attacks of suffocation, with roaring cough, which finally ended fatally. Two other mares also showed acute roaring and dyspnea. The liver of the succumbed horses contained large amounts of lead. Thomassen (Monatschriften fiir Psychologic and Neurologie, 1903, p. 423) has shown that the recurrent nerve showed pronounced degen- eration in cases of lead poisoning of the horse. In several observa- tions the entire nerve vagus was degenerated. He could experi- mentally reproduce the conditions by feeding horses with lead. H. R. Thomassen (Monatshefte fiir praktische TierheUkunde, vol. 13, p. 193, and vol. 14, p. 289), 1904, reports cases of hemiplegia laryngis due to lead poisoning. H. R. Trumbower (Diseases of the horse, U. S. Department of Agriculture, 1907) says: Lead poisoning may affect the lungs principally. In whatever system of the orgiuis the lead is deposited mostly there we will have the symptoms of nervous debility most manifest. In it the lungs are affected and breathing becomes difficult and the animal gets out of breath quickly when he is compelled to run. Roaring also is fre- quently a symptom of lead poisoning. Hutyra and Marek (Pathology of domesticated animals, vol. 2, English translation, 3d ed.), referring to hemiplegia laryngia, note lead poisoning from smelter as a frequent cause of this condition. Aspiration pneumonia and resulting gangrene are mentioned as resulting from laryngial paralysis due to chronic lead poisoning. Finlay Dun (Veterinary medicines), quoting from Shenton, states that fits and partial paralysis came on at intervals, and when the animals got down they often struggled, for a long time ineffectually, to get up again. The breathing up to this period was tranquil, but now became so difficult and labored that the patients appeared in danger of suffocation. The pulse was in no case above 60 or 70, and LIVE STOCK CONDITIONS AND LOSSES IN SELBY SMOKE ZONE. 491 that he ascribed the difficulty of respiration to a paralyzed state of the respiratory apparatus. In the same paragraph he states that Mosselmann and Hebrant consider that the effects of lead poisoning in horses are especially manifested upon the vagus nerve, inducing roaring and dyspnea. James Law (Veterinary medicines, vol. 1) states that paralysis of chronic lead poisoning will cause roaring. Naunyn (Vergiftungen durch Schwer-metale und ihre Salze: Ziemssen's Pathologic und Therapie, vol. 15, p. 273) says that the paralysis of the respiratory muscles through lead poisoning is rare, but that it belongs to this great group is evident from the paralysis of these muscles in animals poisoned by lead. The horses in the lead miUs frequently suffer complete paralysis of 'the vocal cords, which makes tracheotomy necessary. Teleky (Zf. f. Neurologic, vol. 37, 1909) says that only those nerves become affected or degenerate most distinctly that supply the mus- cles exposed to the severest action. The muscles always atrophy. In most of the cases a certain distinct area of peripheral muscles is affected. H. A. Vermeulen (Das Kehlkopfeifen beim Pferde, 1914, reviewed in Jour. Comp. Path, and Therapeutics, vol. 27, pt. 2, June, 1914, p. 173) puts forward what appear to be entirely original views regarding the etiology of roaring in the horse. He does not regard the dis- ease as one localized in the larynx, but considers it to be one of wide- spread disease affecting the motor nerves and their centers. The condition is viewed as one of poisoning, the poison being some traces of mineral or vegetable origin, but in most cases a bacterial toxin or antitoxin, the last of these having its origin in disturbance of function of the thyroid gland. COMMENTS ON THE PROPORTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF CASES. It should be noted that the 12 cases of roaring above described are distributed among 8 owners. The total number of horses in the more exposed portions of the smoke zone is 140, making the propor- tion of roarers about 8.5 per cent of aU the horses in this area. It is probable, however, that the true proportion is somewhat larger, as we have not positively diagnosed 11 suspected cases, 5 of which, on account of the objections of the owners or for other reasons, we were not able to study carefuUy enough to establish a positive diag- nosis. These and other cases of pulmonary unsoundness are listea later in the section on live-stock survey. If we assume that 8.5 per cent of the 140 horses in the area most exposed are roarers, it must be admitted that even such a percentage is larger than is usually encountered among horses. In order to sub- stantiate this statement, we recommended to the Selby Smelter 492 REPORT OF THE SELBY SMELTER COMMISSION. Commission, in a report on Jxme 22, 1914, that a live-stock survey be made of several near-by sections of identical or similar telluric and botanical conditions, with a view to determining the proportion of roarers. They have not seen fit to have this done (see letter from R. A. Gould, July 3, 1914), but, judging from our knowledge of live- stock conditions in several other sections of California which are agriculturally similar, we (Haring and Meyer) are justified in asserting that 8.5 per cent is an unusually large proportion of roarers. Under any circumstances this proportion would cause us to suspect some one cause for the trouble. Of the numerous agencies that may be the cause of roaring in horses, the only one that we suspected in these cases was chronic lead poisoning. Reasons fot this suspicion will be mentioned later in the discussion of the data collected in the general survey of all the live stock between Vallejo and Benicia. The following table summarizes the distribution of horses in the smoke zone: Dislribuiion of horses and of cases in the smoke zone. AVitncss No. Total num- ber of horses owned. Cases of hemiplegia laryngis or pneumonia positively diagnosed. Suspected ' cases of hemiplegia laryngis. Cases claimed by owners, but no evidence found for such claim. 140O 11 47 32 9 5 9 20 2 10 21 5 15 12 fi 1 3 9 16 1 3 3 12 3 5 7 14 3 618 i>7 A and B 37 .. 16 4" Nos. 6 and "... C na D 21 141 I3tt No. 8... 12