462 Disturbances of Cutaneous Function. 



Local abnormalities of the uterus may, in a mechanical way, 

 determine the development of embryonal monstrosities or the 

 death and premature expulsion of the foetus {miscarriage, abor- 

 tion). 



In cows and goats, less frequently in hogs, a form of paralysis 

 not infrequently appears within the first few days after parturi- 

 tion, at the time of establishment of lactation, the so-called 

 paralytic calf-fei'cr or paralysis of parturition. The cause of the 

 condition, as Schmidt (Kolding) has pointed out, depends on an 

 autointoxication related with the formation of colostrum. The 

 colostrum milk is very rich in disintegrating epithelium of the 

 mammary gland and apparently contains decomposition products 

 from these elements, which, if absorbed in large amounts, are 

 capable of giving rise to toxic efTeets. The condition is met espe- 

 cially in animals producing large amounts of milk, in case of un- 

 usually marked colostrum formation. The excellent results of 

 therapeutic measures directed to reduce the milk secretion and 

 causing oxidation of the poisonous products by introducing oxy- 

 gen into the udder and thus rendering them inert, permit the 

 acceptance of Schmidt's theory as well founded. 



Disturbances of the Cutaneous Function. 



The skin, with its epidermal covering, is an organ of defense 

 to the body against the harmful influences of the exterior. Any 

 traumatic denudation of the papillary layer or deeper wound de- 

 stroys the protection it aiTords, and not only exposes the denuded 

 surface to the drying influences of the air, but serves as a focus of 

 entrance of infectious agents as well, since the injury opens easy 

 access into the lymphatic paths. Long continued soaking of the 

 epiderm causes its maceration (by nasal discharge, urine, etc.), 

 continuous pressure leads to callosites or by contusion at places 

 which overlie bony prominences to ruptures of \\essels, haemor- 

 rhages, and in this way to disturbances of nutrition which may 

 cause necrosis of the skin (decubitus, decubital gangrene). The 

 loss of albuminates occasioned by leakage of lymph in case of 

 denudation of the epiderm (running sores of the skin and mouth) 

 may cause material deterioration of the state of nutrition of the 

 body (Landois). 



To what extent disturbances may be caused by suppression 

 of the cutaneous interchange of gases (output of water and car- 



