142 DISEASES OF THE SKIN 



tagion, or by local infection as in wounds and diseases of the skin. Other 

 causes have been assigned by certain writers but the most eminent author- 

 ities maintain the disease is never spontaneous, but to produce it there 

 must be some irritating matter with inflammatory properties introduced 

 into the system, and circulated in the skin. 



Erysipelas is known by redness of the skin, some swelling, heat, and 

 severe pain. In rare instances the eruption may remain confined to the 

 spot first affected, but it usually spreads rapidly, disappearing in the parts 

 first attacked as it extends. The constitutional symptoms are often very 

 severe. The disease is generally ushered in by a chill as shown by shiver- 

 ing; then follows pain, rapid, bounding pulse, fever, thirst, and often 

 vomiting. As the eruption extends these symptoms become more promi- 

 nent and may assume a low typhoidal type. The disease is one of great 

 severity, and dangerous unless the eruption remains confined to the spot 

 where it first appeared. If it can be arrested early the chances of recov- 

 ery are much more favorable. 



The general condition of the animal must be considered in treatment. 

 If plethoric and of inflammable tendency a cathartic should be given on 

 the first occurrence of the eruption. Throughout the course of the disease, 

 supportive measures are to be employed. The diet should be nutritious 

 and concentrated, given more generously as the disease progresses ; milk, 

 beef tea, raw eggs, and scraped raw beef are the principal articles to be 

 depended upon. Pain should be controlled by laudanum in fifteen drop 

 doses, repeated as the need is apparent. 



In very severe cases the tincture of the chloride of iron should be given 

 in ten drop doses, every three hours in a little water. If the animal shows 

 signs of sinking, two teaspoonfuls of brandy should be given from two to 

 four hours. Quinine in one or two grain doses may be added to the treat- 

 ment if the pulse becomes soft and weak. Local measures are to be em- 

 ployed to allay the irritation, and arrest the extension of the disease. 

 While fever exists ice cold preparations are preferable, and the affected 

 parts should be kept constantly w r et with the following solution. — Acid. 

 Acet. Dil. 3ij; Liq. Plumbi Subacet. §ij; Tr. Opii Hi; Aquae ad. Oi. Ft. 

 Mist. Sig. External use only. 



As the fever abates cold applications may be displaced by an ointment 

 made of carbolic acid one drachm, the oxide of zinc ointment six ounces. 



If pus forms it should be evacuated by incisions, severaJ small ones 

 being advised rather than a larger opening. After the operation the 

 wounds are to be treated with flaxseed poultices as in cases of abscesses. 



If the stomach becomes much disturbed and vomiting frequent, the diet 

 must be reduced to milk and lime water, the tonics be temporarily sus- 

 pended, and five grain doses of bismuth given every two hours. 



