46 CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS. 



An injection (reddening) of the skin is only of 

 ■diagnostic importance when not produced by local diseases of 

 the integument. A diffuse reddening of the skin, namely of 

 the abdomen, neck and between the thighs, is seen in swine 

 erysipelas (Rothlmif). Red spots, often angular in shape, 

 accompanied by swelling of the skin, appearing usually over 

 the neck and along the back, are seen in urticaria and in mild 

 cases of erysipelas in swane. 



The skin becomes bluish red (cyanotic) when the 

 blood is heavily charged with carbonic acid gas. It is seen 

 in diseases causing swelling of the glottis, heart diseases, con- 

 gestion and edema of the lungs, and in overdriven sheep or 

 swine during hot weather. 



Yellow (icteric) discolorati6n and paleness of the 

 skin will be considered under "Examination of the Conjunc- 

 tiva." (See page 6U.) 



IV. Condition of the skin. The skin of a healthy ani- 

 mal feels pliable and clastic, and is movable upon its underly- 

 ing tissues. If a fold of it be drawn out between the fingers, 

 it soon regains its former place when released. 



Where the animal is poorly nourished, out of condition, 

 or emaciated from wasting disease, the skin feels hard and 

 leather-like (sclerosis, induration). [If the subcutis has also 

 lost its elasticity, and the skin adheres closely to the under- 

 lying parts, and cannot readily be drawn out in folds, it 

 causes a condition that is commonly termed "hide boundness"]. 



In the hide bound animal the e p i d e r m i s is dry and 

 tough, the outer epidermal layer becomes loose and may be 

 ■easily removed. 



The skin is thus coated with a thick layer of scales and 

 the hair filled with dandruff. 



The exhalations of the skin sometimes have a 

 penetrating urinous odor, noted not infrequently from bladder 

 rupture, the contents of the organ being poured into the ab- 



