Erysipelas, 185 



EEYSrPELAS— ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE. 



Definition. — An inflammation of the skin and tissues be- 

 neath, owing to a blood poison, characterized by a swelling 

 and hardness of the aifected parts, which has a tendency to 

 spread and form abscesses. 



Cause. — This is supposed to be, primarily, some alteration 

 in the blood. In horses and cattle erysipelas is nearly always 

 the result of wounds, and generally of those in tiie legs of 

 animalfe weakened by hard work and poor food, or else in 

 young animals whose blood is vitiated by the poison of glan- 

 ders or some other animal contamination. 



SymptomSo — Generally on the third or fourth day after 

 receiving the injury the skin in the immediate neighborhood 

 of the wound is found swollen, smooth, shining, hot, tender 

 and painful. The sw^elling gradually extends around it, 

 and sometimes deep into the muscles. The surface is hard 

 and tense, but often when the finger is firmly pressed upon 

 it and withdrawn, a little pit or depression is left. Blisters 

 on the surface and abscesses beneath the skin are frequently 

 seen. 



The general symptoms correspond with the severity of the 

 local disease. In the lighter form the animal is fevered, 

 loses apj)etite, and is lame in the affected limb. In severe 

 cases there are severe chills, the pulse is weak and quick, the 

 breathing hurried, the bowels constipated, and the urine 

 scanty and high colored. There is no appetite, but excessive 

 thirst. 



All the signs of a low typhoid state may follow, the ab- 

 scesses burrowing deeply between muscles and into joints, and 

 the animal dying of exhaustion. 



Treatment, — In all cases begin with a brisk purge, aided 

 by injections if it does not act promptly. It is important to 



