THE SKIN 245 



Etiology. — Eczema in swine is apparently a disease of filth. Weak, 

 anemic pigs are much more susceptible than strong and otherwise 

 healthy animals. The specific exciting cause is not known. 



Lesions and Sympioms. — Typical eczema is characterised by the 

 following lesions, which occur in the order mentioned : erythema and 

 papulovesicular eruption, which may or may not be succeeded by the 

 formation of pustules. The contents of the vesicles and pustules 

 become desiccated and accumulate, thus forming scabs. There is 

 pruritus practically throughout the entire course of the disease. A.s 

 the disease progresses the skin becomes thickened, leathery, and 

 cracks, the crevices or rhagades extending deeply, more or less blood 

 escaping. 



Eczema is differentiated from parasitic dermatitis by the absence 

 of the parasites. It is essentially a chronic disease; there may be 

 repeated attacks. The disease as a rule is not fatal in swine. 



Treatment. — Remove all influences that predispose to the condi- 

 tion. Prevent injury from rubbing. Topical applications of soothing 

 agents may be used, but their value is doubtful. See that the animals 

 obtain and digest their food properly. A good, brisk purgative occa- 

 sionally will be of value. 



DERMATITIS GRANULOSA 



A granular skin eruption has been identified in swine. The con- 

 dition occurs in patches on the ears, back, and croup, and is probably 

 infectious. ^ 



This condition has responded quickly to treatment with antiseptics. 



NECROBACILLOSIS, ACTINOMYCOSIS, TUBERCULOSIS 



Necrobaeillosis is a very common cutaneous disease in swine. 

 Cutaneous actinomycosis and tuberculosis occur less frequently. These 

 conditions of the skin will receive consideration under the special 

 topics of necrobaeillosis, actinomycosis, and tuberculosis. 



TUMORS 



Cutaneous tumors, excepting papillomas or warts, are not common 

 in swine. 



Papillomas are structurally hypertrophied papillas. They may 

 occur on any portion of the skin surface, but are probably more 

 common on the muzzle and on the inner surface of the thigh. 



