220 BUENS AND SCALDS. 



4. "Disorganization of the entire thickness of the skin, 

 down to the subcutaneous cellular tissue. 



5. " Destruction of all the superficial structures, together 

 with the muscles, to a variable degree of depth short of the 

 bones. 



6. " Carbonization of the entire thickness of the burned 

 part." 



Without entering into details concerning the many varie- 

 ties of burns described by Dupuytren, it may be said, in 

 general terms, that the effects of excessive heat applied to 

 the skin vary greatly in degree of severity, and that accord- 

 ing to the extent of surface, or depth of skin injured, the 

 local and constitutional symptoms vary both in kind and 

 intensity. The symptoms are also different, according to 

 the mode in which heat is applied. 



Firstly, Superficial burns and scalds may induce mere 

 redness of the skin, some soreness and desquamation of 

 1 cuticle. This form of burn is noticed in party-coloured pigs 

 with a scanty coat of bristles, from the action of the sun's 

 rays on the white patches. The technical term applied to 

 this condition is ephelis. It is also seen as the result of the 

 prolonged application of hot fomentations and hot poultices 

 to a part. The constitutional symptoms are mild, and 

 amount to slight irritative fever. 



Secondly, The skin is more deeply injured by the contact 

 of hot iron to the skin, or the scalding by boiling water. 

 Veterinary surgeons very commonly see the first injury as 

 the result of an operation, and they are well acquainted 

 with the heat and pain, swelling and tension observed on the 

 part. Blisters form, burst, and discharge coagulable lymph. 

 The surface of the skin may be so injured as to destroy hair 

 follicles and epidermis to such an extent as to blemish 

 seriously. The parts are apt to suppurate and ulcerate. 



