DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 475 



tures beneath, by the formation of pus at various different points 

 throughout the diseased parts without any surrounding sac to protect 

 the surrounding structures from its destructive action, and without 

 the usual disposition of pus to advance harmlessly toward the surface 

 and escape; and, finally, by a low, prostrating type of fever, with 

 elevated temperature of the body, coated tongue, excited breathing, 

 and loss of appetite. The pus when escaping through a lancet wound 

 is grayish, brownish, or reddish, with a heavy or fetid odor, and inter- 

 mixed with shreds of broken-down tissues. The most destructive 

 form, however, is that in which pus is deficient and gangrene and 

 sloughing more speedy and extensive. 



Treatment resolves itself mainly into the elimination from the 

 system of the poisonous products of the bacteria by laxatives and 

 diuretics, the sustaining of the failing vitality by tonics and stimu- 

 lants, above all those of the nature of antiferments, and the local 

 application of astringent and antiseptic agents. Internal treatment 

 may consist in 4 drams tincture of muriate of iron and one-half dram 

 muriate of ammonia or chlorate of potash, given in a pint of water 

 every two hours. To this may be added, liberally, whisky or brandy 

 when the prostration is very marked. Locally a strong solution of 

 iron, alum, or of sulphate of iron and laudanum may be used ; or the 

 affected part may be painted with tincture of muriate of iron' or with 

 iodized phenol. In mild cases a lotion of 4 drams sugar of lead and 

 2 ounces laudanum in a quart of water may be applied. It is desir- 

 able to avoid the formation of wounds and the consequent septic 

 action, yet when pus has formed and is felt by fluctuation under the 

 finger to be approaching the surface it should be freely opened with 

 a clean, sharp lancet, and the wound thereafter disinfected daily with 

 carbolic acid 1 part to water 10 parts, with a saturated solution of 

 hyposulphite of soda, or with powders of iodoform or salol. 



HORSEPOX, ANTHRAX, AND CUTANEOUS GLANDERS (FARCY). 



These subjects are discussed under the head of contagious diseases. 



CALLOSITIES. 



These are siniple thickening and induration of the cuticle by reason 

 of continued pressure, notably in lying down on a hard surface. Be- 

 ing devoid of hair, they cause blemishes; hence, smooth floors and 

 good bedding should be provided as preventives. 



HORNY SLOUGHS (SITFASTS), OR SLOUGHING CALLOSITIES. 



These are circumscribed sloughs of limited portions of the skin, the 

 result of pressure by badly fitting harness or by irritating masses of 

 dirt, sweat, and hairs under the harness. They are most common 

 under the saddle, but may be found under collar or breeching as well. 



