358 Coital Exanthema. 



ing into vesicles, which at first contain a serous, later a purulent 

 fluid. After a short existence the thin walls of the vesicles 

 burst, and in their place erosions remain, which show desqua- 

 mation of epithelium, or deep, penetrating ulcerations may- 

 follow, with reddened bases and sharp borders, producing a 

 yellowish, sticky, lymphatic or a more purulent secretion, wdiich 

 dries in the air to yellow or brownish scabs. The ulcers later 

 become covered by granulation tissue, on which a new layer of 

 epithelium soon forms. In the place of the deeper ulcerations 

 white scars remain, which later take on a yellowish-red color, 

 and are almost unrecognizable. 



In male animals the glans penis swells, in severe cases also 

 the sheath or the scrotum, and the prepuce. Vesicles may also 

 develop on the skin of these parts. The swelling sometimes 

 reaches such a degree that a true phymosis, or a paraphymosis 

 develops. At the same time continuous erections of the penis 

 are frequent, and a desire for urination exists, as well as a 

 yellowish, mucous or purulent discharge from the urethra. 



In female animals the lips of the vulva are especially 

 swollen, but the edematous infiltration extends also to the sur- 

 rounding parts, and even to the legs. In mares frequent con- 

 tractions of the clitoris are observed, while the vagina dis- 

 charges a muco-purulent material. A similar discharge occurs 

 also from the genitals of cows and smaller animals. 



The affected animals manifest great itching, as a result 

 of which the females rub their hind parts against solid objects, 

 they wag their tails, arch their backs, strike at the abdomen, 

 and stand frequently in a position for urinating. 



The lymph glands of the groin and of the vicinity of the 

 rectum are usually swollen, elastic, dense, and more or less 

 sensitive. 



The nervous condition is hardly affected with the exception 

 of the restlessness produced by the itching; sometimes slight 

 digestive disturbances, diminished appetite, delayed rumination, 

 a reduction of milk secretion, etc., are observed. In the presence 

 of very numerous pustules these symptoms may reach a high 

 degree, and in such cases symptoms of restlessness and strain- 

 ing are especially severe. Pregnant animals exceptionally 

 abort. 



The described symptoms may become more aggravated as 

 a result of external, harmful influences. The original slight 

 inflammatory process is sometimes considerably increased by 

 the continuous severe rubbing, when the open surfaces of the 

 wounds may subsequently become infected l)y dirty material. 

 In such cases the ulcers have a malignant appearance, they are 

 covered by yellow crusts, and penetrate into the deeper parts, 

 as a result of which crater-like depressions develop at the base 

 of the ulcers. The edematous infiltration in the vicinity of the 

 genital organs may reach a high degree, and may extend also 

 to the lower abdomen, and to the inner surface of the thighs. 



