328 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



quently coalesce, covering a large surface; pus may form under them, 

 and thus the whole thickness of the skin become involved in the 

 morbid process. This form of the disease is attributed to the local 

 irritant properties of such plants in the pasture as St. John's wort 

 {Hyperieum perforatum), smartweed {Polygonum hydroplper)^ 

 vetches, honeydew, etc. Buckwheat, at the time the seeds become 

 ripe, is said to have caused it ; also bedding with buckwheat straw. 

 Treatment. — Sucking calves should be removed from the mother, 

 and a purgative given to the latter to divert the poisonous substance 

 secreted with the milk. When the more formidable disease among 

 grazing cattle appears, the pasturage should be changed and the 

 affected parts of the animal thoroughly anointed once a day with 

 sweet oil containing 2 drams of carbolic acid to the pint. This should 

 be continued until the crusts soften and begin to drop off, then the 

 parts may be cleansed thoroughly with warm w^ater and soap. Sub- 

 sequently the white precipitate ointment or carbolized cosmoline 

 should be applied daily until the parts are healed. 



PEMPHIGUS (WATER BLISTERS). 



This is an inflammatory disease of the skin, characterized by suc- 

 cessive formations of rounded, irregularly shaped water blisters, 

 varying in size from a pea to a hen's %g^. 



Causes. — Obscure. 



Symptoms. — The formation of a blister is preceded by a conges- 

 tion or swelling of the skin. Yellowish-colored water collects be- 

 neath the cuticle, which raises the latter from its bed in the form of 

 a blister. The blisters appear in a succession of crops; as soon as 

 one crop disappears another forms. They usually occur in clusters, 

 each one being distinct, or they may coalesce. Each crop usually 

 runs its course in a week. The disease is attended with itching or 

 burning sensations which cause the animal to rub, thereby fre- 

 quently producing excoriations and formation of crust on the 

 affected region. 



Treatment. — Give a tablespoonful of the following-described mix- 

 ture in feed twice a day: Saltpeter, cream of tartar, and sulphur, 

 equal parts by weight. The blisters should be opened as soon as 

 formed, to allow the escape of the serum, followed by a wash com- 

 posed of chlorid of zinc, 1 dram to 15 ounces of water. When there 

 is any formation of crusts, carbolized cosmoline should be applied. 



FURUNCULUS (BOILS). 



This is an acute affection of the skin, usually involving its whole 

 thickness, characterized by the formation of one or more abscesses, 

 originating generally in a sebaceous gland, sweat gland, or hair 



