222 THE HORSB. 



but carries it in the air if compelled to move. As a consequence the op- 

 posite leg is required to do the work of both, and if the animal persists 

 in standing a greater part of the time it, too, becomes swollen. In many 

 of these cases the suffering is so intense during the first few days as to 

 cause general fever, dullness, loss of appetite, and increased thirst. 

 Generally the tumor shows signs of suppuration within forty-eight to 

 seventy-two hours after its first appearance; the summit softens, a fluctu- 

 ating fluid is felt beneath the skin, which soon ulcerates completely 

 through, causing the discharge of a thick, yellow, bloody pus, con- 

 taining shreds of dead tissue which have sloughed away. The sore is 

 now converted into an open ulcer, generally deep, nearly or quite circular 

 in outline, and with hardened base and edges. In exceptional cases 

 large patches of skin, varying from one to two and one-half inches in 

 diameter, slough away at once, leaving an ugly superficial ulcer. These 

 sores, especially when deep, suppurate freely; if there are no compli- 

 cations they tend to heal rapidly as soon as the degenerated tissue has 

 softened and is entirely removed. "When suppuration is fully established 

 the lameness and general symptoms subside. Where but a single tumor 

 and abscess form, the disease progresses rapidly and recovery, under 

 proper treatment; may be effected in from two to three weeks' time; but 

 when two or more tumors are developed at once or where the formation 

 of one tumor is rapidly succeeded by another for an indefinite time, the 

 sufferings of the patient are greatly increased, the case is more difiicult 

 to treat, and recovery is more slow and less certain. 



Treatment. The first step in the treatment of an outbreak of quit- 

 tor should be the removal of all exciting causes. 



Watering places, accessible without having to wade through mud, are 

 to be supplied. Carefully cleanse the feet and legs as soon as the 

 animal returns from work. Warm water should be used to remove the 

 mud and dirt, after which the parts are to be thoroughly dried with soft 

 cloths. 



The means which are to be adopted for the cure of cutaneous quittor 

 vary with the stage of the disease at the time the case is presented for 

 treatment. If the case is seen early, that is, before any of the signs of 

 suppuration have developed, the affected foot is to be placed under a 

 constant stream of cold water, with the object of arresting a further 

 extension of the inflammatory process. To accomplish this put the pa- 

 tient in slings in a narrow stall having a slat or open floor. Bandage 

 the foot and leg to the knee or hock, as the case may be, with flannel 



