134 ^'EW 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 w'hich 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 recov- 

 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. 



