A chronic debilitating disease of horses and other equids, as well as some members of the cat family, caused by Pseudomonas mallei and transmissible to humans. It attacks the mucous membranes of the nostrils of the horse, producing an increased and vitiated secretion and discharge of mucus, and enlargement and induration of the glands of the lower jaw. [O. Fr. glandres, glands]
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glan·ders -dərz n pl but sing or pl in constr a contagious and destructive disease esp. of horses caused by a bacterium of the genus Pseudomonas (P. mallei) and characterized by caseating nodular lesions esp. of the respiratory mucosae and lungs that tend to break down and form ulcers
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(equinia)
n.
an infectious disease of horses, donkeys, and mules that is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas mallei and can be transmitted to humans. Symptoms include fever and inflammation (with possible ulceration) of the lymph nodes (a form of the disease known as farcy), skin, and nasal mucous membranes. In the untreated acute form death may follow in 2-20 days. In the more common chronic form, many patients survive without treatment. Administration of antibiotics is usually effective.
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glan·ders (glanґdərz) a contagious disease of horses, communicable to humans, caused by Burkholderia mallei. The acute form, which may be fatal, is marked by a purulent inflammation of mucous membranes and an eruption on the skin of nodules that coalesce and break down, forming deep ulcers that may end in necrosis of cartilages and bones. A chronic form known as farcy involves the lymphatic system. Called also malleus. glanderous adjMedical dictionary. 2011.