This is a form of anthrax in which the disease specially involves the tongue, and, in a less degree, the tissues of the throat. It is not, however, to be confounded with septic glossitis, a malady in which the tongue becomes considerably enlarged, as the result of excoriation and local poisoning by inoculation with septic organic matter.

Gloss-anthrax is sudden in its onset, and rapid in its course, proving fatal in twenty-four to forty-eight hours. It is specially marked by an enlargement of the entire length of the tongue, during which large vesicles or blisters appear on some part of its surface, and occasionally on the cheeks also. Within them is contained a quantity of red and blackish-red watery exudation, but this soon escapes, leaving behind grayish-black unhealthy-looking sores. The tongue is swollen, and partly protrudes from the mouth, at first presenting a red appearance, but soon becoming-dark and livid. The enlargement is also observed between the jaws, extending to the throat, and sometimes along the course of the neck. The tumefied state of the tongue renders mastication and swallowing impossible, and considerably embarrasses the breathing. The face in this condition presents a hideous, and at the same time an anxious, expression. The lining membranes of the eyes and nose are intensely reddened, the pulse is rapid, small, and weak, the temperature of the body increased, and a fatal prostration, speedily associated with twitching and trembling of the muscles and patchy sweats, supervenes.

Treatment is of no avail in these cases, and they should be summarily disposed of. As a means of preventing further spread of the disease every sanitary precaution should be taken as regards the horse, the stable, and the litter removed out of it.