blackleg

An acute, infectious myositis principally of cattle, caused by Clostridium chauvoei. The lesion arises without the need for any external injury. The animal is profoundly toxemic with a high fever and usually a very swollen painful thigh. The skin is gangrenous, and emphysema can be palpated in the subcutis. Death occurs in 12 to 36 hours.

• pseudo-b. — see malignant edema. Called also gas gangrene.
• stable b. — see malignant edema. Called also gas gangrene.