INFLAMMATION OF THE INTERDIGITAI, SPACE. 



39 



and hypertrophy of the papillae, the first stage in the production of 

 condylomata. 



Injuries produced by cords slipped into the interdigital space for 

 the purpose of lifting the feet when shoeing working oxen are also 

 fruitful causes. 



Inflammation of the interdigital space is also a common complication 

 of aphthous eruptions around the claws and in the space between them. 

 Continual contact with litter, dung and urine favour infection of super- 

 ficial or deep wounds, and by causing exuberant granulation lead to 

 hypertrophy of the papillary layer of the skin. When the animal 

 stands on the foot the claws separate under the pressure of the body 

 weight and the condylomata are relieved of pressure. When, however, 

 the limbs are rested, the claws mutually approach, compress the 



Fig. 16.— Conclyloniata of the interdigital space and sidebones. 



abnormal vegetations, flatten, excoriate, and irritate them, thus favouring 

 their further development. 



The symptoms are easy to detect. The animals appear in perfect 

 health, but have difficulty in walking, and show pain. They walk as 

 though on sharp," rough ground, and lameness is sometimes severe. 

 Locally, the anterior surface of the claws and the interdigital space 

 are markedly congested and sensitive, or painful on pressure. The 

 growths are of varying size, isolated or confluent, bleeding, excoriated, 

 or covered with horn, and are visible between the claws when the animal 

 stands on the limb. In many cases they form a perfect cast of the 

 vertical interspace. When the superficial layers have undergone 

 conversion into a horn-like material, lameness diminishes or disappears. 



Diagnosis presents no difficulty. 



Prognosis is only grave in so far as the condition interferes with 

 animals working, but it may render working oxen entirely useless. 



Treatment in the early stages is of a preventive character, and 

 consists in placing animals which have been accidentally injured or 

 attacked with foot-and-mouth disease on a perfectly clean bed. 



