INFECTIOUS DISEASES. 81 



HORSE-POX. 

 Give the synonym. 



Variola equina. 



What is the aetiology ? 



It is caused by a specific organism, which is fixed and volatile, 

 and may be found in pustules, the scabs, the blood, the secretions, 

 the excretions, and the expired air. 



What are the symptoms ? 



There is fever, dulness of the animal, loss of appetite, associ- 

 ated with skin eruptions, which are generally seen in isolated 

 parts of the body, as the lower parts of the extremities, around 

 the nostrils and lips, and can be better appreciated in horses with 

 light-colored skins. 



The legs are hot, swollen, and painful, and often there is lame- 

 ness; the swelling extends along the back part of the limb as high 

 up as the hock. 



On the white surfaces the red spots show themselves, then they 

 become pimples or nodules, then vesichs form, later to become 

 pustules, which dry and form scabs, soon to fall off and leave cica- 

 trices. 



What is the differential diagnosis ? 



This affection may be mistaken for scratches, unless a careful" 

 examination be made. Again, it may be mistaken for glanders, but 

 by watching the symptoms, isolating for a few days, there will be 

 no trouble in differentiating. 



What is the prognosis ? 



If the symptoms be mild, the prognosis is good. The condi- 

 tion of the animal and the surroundings have a marked influence. 



What can be done for these cases ? 



It being a self-limited disease, leave it alone and assist nature. 

 Keep the parts clean, apply antiseptic dressings, and treat other 

 symptoms as they arise. It is well to cover the eruptions with 

 sweet-oil, vaseline, or sprinkle them with a powder, as bismuth 

 subnitrate. 



