THE SKIN , 151 



Urticaria 



Urticaria is a skin disease characterized by the forma- 

 tion of pruritic wheals. It is not common in swine and 

 when occurring is usually found in young pigs. 



Etiology. Urticaria is of systemic origin. It is 

 usually associated with digestive derangement, but may 

 be caused by filth and the irritation caused by lice. 



Lesions and Symptoms. The typical lesions are 

 red, circumscribed blotches that are hot and pruritic. 

 Because of the pruritis the pig rubs the skin and may 

 produce abrasions from which serum and blood may 

 escape. The disease usually terminates in recovery on 

 the second or third day, although in severe cases pustular 

 formation may follow. 



Treatment. Clean the swine and the premises, and 

 administer a saline purgative, such as Epsom salt. 



Eczema 



Eczema is an inflammation of the skin characterized 

 by multiform lesions. Though this disease occurs in 

 swine, it is not very prevalent. 



Etiology. Eczema in swine is apparently a disease 

 of filth. Weak, anemic pigs are much more susceptible 

 than strong and otherwise healthy animals. The specific 

 exciting cause is not known. 



Lesions and Symptoms. Typical eczema is char- 

 acterized by the following lesions, which occur in the 

 order mentioned: erythema and papulo vesicular eruption, 

 which may or may not be succeeded by the formation of 

 pustules. The contents of the vesicles and pustules 

 become desiccated and accumulate, thus forming scabs. 

 There is pruritis practically throughout the entire course 

 of the disease. As the disease progresses the skin becomes 

 thickened, leathery, and cracks, the crevices or rhagades 

 extending deeply and from which more; or less blood 

 escapes. 



Eczema is differentiated from parasitic dermatitis by 

 the absence of the parasites. It is essentially a chronic 



