Question

Spleenic fever is another name for

• A. Anthrax
• B. FMD
• C. Mastitis
• D. Cowpox

Hint:

Remember the pathognomonic lesion of Anthrax: a severely enlarged, dark, and soft "liquefied" spleen. This explains why it is historically referred to as "splenic fever."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Many infectious diseases in veterinary medicine have historical synonyms based on their clinical manifestations, pathology, or the specific organs they affect.
Recognizing these synonyms is important for diagnostic, regulatory, and epidemiological purposes.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the diagnostic features of the diseases listed:
1. Anthrax:
Anthrax is an acute, febrile, and highly fatal zoonotic disease caused by the spore-forming, Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis.
It primarily affects ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats) and is characterized by sudden death, bloody discharges from natural orifices, and a rapid, dark-colored, incomplete rigor mortis.
On post-mortem examination (which is strictly contraindicated if anthrax is suspected, to prevent spore release), the most characteristic pathological lesion is extreme enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly).
The spleen becomes soft, extremely congested, and filled with dark, jam-like blood.
Because of this striking splenomegaly and the associated high fever, the disease is historically and commonly known as splenic fever (or splenic apoplexy).
Therefore, this option is correct.
2. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD):
This is a highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals characterized by vesicles (blisters) on the mouth, tongue, snout, and feet.
3. Mastitis:
This refers to the inflammation of the mammary gland/udder, typically caused by bacterial infection, leading to physical and chemical changes in milk.
4. Cowpox:
This is a mild eruptive viral disease of dairy cows characterized by localized pustular lesions on the teats and udder.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Splenic fever is a historical synonym for Anthrax.
Therefore, the correct option is (A).