CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. 



903 



increases in intensity. On examining the foot, we find«the separa- 

 tion of the horny wall from the tissues underneath. About the 

 sixth or seventh day, we notice the redness of the interdigital canal, 

 commissure, cleft, or crease, at the junction of , the two toes (Fig. 

 1191) ; the lameness becomes more apparent. 

 _ '*/l ,? ^&8[ On removing the loose portion of the hoofl we 

 V* ^^ ^ n< * * ^tk abcess, which is becoming ulcerous, 



•5 ^PS^ anc * which secretes white, offensive matter. 



** "^JsP ^^ e disease keeps chiefly on the inner side of 

 ^i^^E ^ e toes- ^ne or more f eet may become af- 

 fected. The ulceration gradually gains ground, 

 V5S$|Mj^||j^P||i and separates more horn from the foot, and se- 

 IMm ^SH cretes more offensive matter. Occasionally the 



"'jffl WT disease disorganizes the tissues of the foot until 



it affects the bone and tendons. Fever, loss of 

 appetite, and weakness may finally occur, and 



' -a. i«>i< • • i j- ■■ ■ death is often the result. The disease may 



Pis. 1191. — Interdigital , i ' J 



Cana l last weeks and months if not treated very 



early. In fact, in the treatment of this disease 



it is imperative that it should be taken in its first stage, and this is 



the important point to be accomplished by the owner. First of all, 



the foot should be thoroughly cleaned off, and the offensive matter 



entirely removed wilfh tenderness and care, by means of a small 



knife or probe, and the hoof pared, after which the affected part may 



be touched or swathed with a feather or soft cloth dipped in the 



following, or a similar antiseptic solution :— 



Chloride of zinc '. 1 dr. 



Water. 1 pt. 



Or, if the case be malignant, in the following: — 



Creosote. . . .'. ; i 1 part. 



Alcohol 4 parts. 



One said to be very popular in the East is — 



Sulphate of copper (blue vitriol) .1 lb. 



Acetate of copper (verdigris) , . £ lb. 



. tinseedoil .....1 pint. 



Tar. .... f 1 qt. 



Rub the vitriol and verdigris in very fine powder, 'with the oil, then 

 add the tar, and mix thoroughly. 



The following lotion has proved beneficial in mild cases : — 



Chloride of zinc .2 dr. 



Tincture of arnica '. . 1 oz. 



Alcohol .,. 1 pt- 



When the raw surfaces are extended over the foot, it may be/ 



