DIAGNOSIS AND COEKECTION OF MALPOSITIONS 223 



sensation increases, the red spot reaching a diameter of | to 2 

 cm. on the second and third days; frequently the axillary 

 glands swell. During the first two days the red spots increase 

 in number. The first spots feel more or less hard, the redness 

 being diffused. On the third day the color changes in the 

 centre and a little vesicle with serous contents develops, to 

 become purulent on the fourth day, seen by the white ring' in 

 the central red elevation. During this time itching has been 

 pronounced, so that the patient must force himself not to dis- 

 turb the normal course by rubbing. 



On the fifth day the epidermis contracts hypersemia and 

 itching diminishes. 



On the sixth day slight exfoliation takes place, the process 

 coming to an end in a few more days. 



Many deviations from the course are observed. Plesson 

 states that the primary red points increase in. size and extent 

 up to the sixth day. Chills and insomnia set in, new abscesses 

 forming constantly, not only in the region of the old ones, but 

 also in new places. This existed for three months, when 

 recovery took place. 



As a rule, the infection is of a local character, does not 

 disturb general health, and terminates in a few days. 



Prophylaxis. — The infection seems to occur in numerous 

 places through abrasions. Embryotomy favors it, especially 

 as the epidermis is injured here and there, allowing entrance 

 of infectious material. Each pustule represents a local infec- 

 tion. By simply washing with cold water, low organisms with 

 their media (foetal waters, soft parts of the calf, placenta) 

 remain behind in invisible quantity on the parts denuded of 

 epidermis. 



These organisms are readily concealed on hairy parts, 

 and can only be removed by a thorough cleaning (Hohmann). 

 The prophylaxis consists in covering any small wound with 

 iodoform-collodium before the operation. Arms and hands 

 are dressed with 5 per cent, carbolized oil, to be cleansed me- 

 chanically after parturition is effected. The latter is best done 

 by scrubbing them with soap and warm water (Klaeber), fol- 



