ECZEMA CONTAGIOSA. 193 



at the anus, it is fair to presume that vesication exists along the 

 whole alimentary track ; and post mortem examinations of such 

 reveal the presence of much inflammation of the intestinal 

 mucous membrane, patches of denudation here and there, more 

 especially in the fourth stomach, giving the disease very much 

 of the characteristic appearance found in cattle plague, to which 

 disease it is to some extent allied. 



It is when the feet are much affected that the loss to the 

 stock-owner becomes great, for not only does the animal lose 

 condition from the disease, but also from inability to roam about 

 its pasture in search of food. Such cases should at once be 

 comfortably housed, provided with proper aliment, and have the 

 feet properly treated. 



In sheep, goats, and Jjigs, the feet are the principal parts 

 affected, the vesicles occurring between the digits and around the 

 coronets. ^ 



During the summer of 1872 eczema contagiosa assumed a 

 very malignant character, especially in some herds of Iceland 

 cattle brought to Leith and Edinburgh, the ordinar}^ symptoms 

 being complicated with swelling of the legs and other parts of 

 the body, the swelling when opened discharging a very foetid 

 fluid. In all there was great prostration of strength, and many 

 cases terminated fatally. 



The loss from foot-and-mouth disease to the dairyman, from 

 the diminished secretion of milk, and to the owner of cattle nearly 

 fit for the butcher, is very great. I do not think £4 a head too 

 high an average ; but when it is confined to lean or store cattle, 

 provided the attack is mild, the loss of condition is quite 

 ephemeral, and can scarcely be accounted a loss at all, for such 

 animals appear to make flesh much faster after than prior to an 

 attack of the disease. 



As sequelffi to eczema contagiosa, the following alterations of 

 structure have been observed, namely, swelling of the joints, 

 open joints, with sloughing of interdigital substance, gangrene of 

 a whole foot, marasmus, and disease of the bones. 



^ For distinguishing character of foot-and-mouth disease and foot-rot in sheep, 

 see Principles and Practice of Veterinary Sur/jery, 







