340 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



quently coalesce, covering a large surface ; pus may f oi-m under them, 

 and 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 plants growing in the pasture, such as St. John's 

 wort {Hypericum- perforatum) ^ smartweed {Polygonuin hydropiper)^ 

 vetches, honeydeAv, 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 the latter should have a purgative to divert the poisonous sub- 

 stance 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 oft', then the 

 parts may be cleansed thoroughly with warm water and soap. Sub- 

 sequently apply the white precipitate ointment or carbolized cosmo- 

 line daily until the parts are healed. 



PEMPHIGUS (WATER BLISTEBS). 



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

 cassive formations of rounded, in-egularly shaped water blisters, 

 varying in size from a pea to a hen's egg. 



Causes. — Obscure. 



jSymptoms. — The f onnation of a blister is preceded by a congestion 

 or swelling of the skin. Yellowish-colored water collects beneath 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 dis- 

 appears another foi-ms. They usually occur in clusters, each one be- 

 ing distinct, or they may coalesce. Each crop usually runs its course 

 in a week. Itching or burning sensations attend this disease which 

 cause the animal to iiib, thereby frequently producing excoriations 

 and formation of crust on the affected region. 



Treatment. — Give a tablespoonful of the following mixture 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, then apply a wash composed of chlorid of 

 zinc, 1 dram to 15 ounces of water. When there is any formation of 

 crusts, apply carbolized cosmoline. 



FURUNCVLUS (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 

 follicle. They usually terminate by absorption, or by the fonnation 



