The Wilbur Smith Discussion Forums

Does anyone know what the explanation for the red mass in Lostris' uterus was that eventually killed her? Also, what the modern term for the "yellow strangler" that affected the gnu and horses is?

I'm very curious! Thanks!

Egypt09 wrote:Does anyone know what the explanation for the red mass in Lostris' uterus was that eventually killed her?

I always assumed it was some sort of cancer, ovarian maybe?

No clue about the other one.

I think the yellow strangler may be foot and mouth disease.

And I agree with Matt, I always assumed that Lostris had some form of cancer, as Taita describes it as a mass that he cuts out of her.

I don't think horses get foot and mouth disease - it's limited to cloven footed animals

Strangles/equine distemper?

Strangles (also equine distemper) is a contagious, upper respiratory tract infection of horses and other equines caused by a bacterium, Streptococcus equi var equi. Strangles is enzootic in domesticated horses worldwide.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strangles

It sounded like Malignant Catarrhal Fever, although I'm not certain that disease affects horses. Horses are supposed to be resistant, but there have been cases reported. It sounds like it may have been used as the basis for the Yellow Strangler at any rate. Wildebeest carry it, and can infect herds of cattle who are exposed causing devastation to farmers in Africa.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bovine_mal ... rhal_fever

I believe the uterine red mass represents uterine cancer, often diagnosed at approximately Lostris' age.

Puking mucus isn't a symptom of F&M disease anyway, I don't think. Also, Taita makes no mention of white blistering around the mouths annd nose, which is F&M's classic symptom.

Lostris' fatal illness wasn't ovarian cancer I don't think (too large and described as being in the wrong place), but could easily have been cervical or uterine cancer.