134 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
ous abscesses developed, which became confluent, forming large 
sloughs. The pustules or nodules, which were at first small, firm, 
and painful, later showed on their summit a dry, tenacious scab. 
From these nodules could be squeezed little tallowy or pus-like 
plugs, which left behind cup-shaped ulcers with jagged edges. 
The disease was first confined to the back, neck, and loins, but 
gradually involved the entire surface of the skin. The further 
spread of the disease upon the animal resulted from rubbing or 
scratching, whereby the pustules were emptied of their contents 
and scattered over the body, the bacteria entering the hair fol- 
licles or excretary ducts of the sebaceous glands and thus setting 
up new foci of irritation. It may also have been spread by the 
process of “oiling,” or by the earliest medication. 
Excepting for the “hide-bound” condition of the skin there 
were no marked constitutional symptoms at any time during the 
course of the disease, which covered a period of several months, 
so that from the point of view of general health the prognosis is 
not grave, the chief functions being perfectly regular. 
TREATMENT. 
Owing to the thickness of the elephant’s skin, and to the depth 
of the suppurating foci, antiseptic washes or ointments applied 
locally are of little or no benefit. The treatment of the affection 
is essentially surgical. The skin was thoroughly cleaned with 
soap and warm water, in which creolin to the extent of I per 
cent. solution was added. After washing and drying the skin, 
an ointment of zinc oxide and sulphur was applied, and well 
rubbed in. This was allowed to remain for twenty-four hours, when 
it was found that the scale-like scab on the summit of each pustule 
could be easily removed. The scab being removed, each nodule 
was pressed, the contents of the pustule evacuated, and the cavity 
washed out with creolin solution. When the nodules are emptied 
of the pustular plugs, the surface gradually cicatrices, and recoy- 
ery takes place completely within a few weeks. The skin, how- 
ever, remains somewhat lighter in color at the seat of the pustule, 
owing to the partial discoloration of the epidermis. 
Sulphur was given internally for several weeks, and owing to 
this drug’s alterative and stimulating effect on the skin, it was 
of considerable benefit in relieving the “hide-bound” condition. 
During the treatment of this condition, no starchy food should 
be given; raw potatoes especially should be avoided. Warm bran 
mashes and boiled carrots may be given frequently. 
