328 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



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

 sequently apply the white precipitate ointment or carbolized cosmoline 

 daily until the parts are healed. 



PEMPHIGUS (WATER BLISTERS). 



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

 cessive formations of rounded, irregularly shaped water blisters, vary- 

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



Causes. — Obscure. 



Symptoms.— The formation 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 forms. They usually occur in clusters, each one being 

 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 rub, 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. 



FURUNCULUS ( 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 formation 

 of a central core, which sloughs out, leaving a deep, round cavity that 

 soon heals. 



Causes. — Impoverished state of the blood, the result of kidney dis- 

 eases, or of local friction or contusions. 



Symptoms. — Boils in cattle usually appear singly, not in clusters; 

 they may attain the size of a hen's egg. The abscess begins as a 

 small round nodule, painful to pressure, gradually increases in size 

 until death of the central portion takes place, then the surface of the 

 skin gives way to internal pressure, and the core is released and 

 expelled. Constitutional symptoms are generally absent, unless the 

 boils occur in considerable numbers, or by their size involve a great 

 amount of tissue. 



Treatment.— Poulticing to ripen the abscess. If this can not be 

 done, apply camphorated oil two or three times a day until the core 

 is formed. As soon as the central or most prominent part becomes 

 soft, the abscess should be opened to release the core Then use car- 



