DISEASES OP THE SKIN 295 



Sow is sudden death after bti/ms explained ? 



The most generally accepted theory is that the death from 

 burns is the result of poisoning, the poison being a chemical. 

 It has also been pointed out that the white blood cells, by the 

 action of the heat, disintegrate, and that as a result of this 

 certain toxic agents are formed which cause necrosis of the 

 internal organs by coagulating the blood in the capillaries of 

 such organs. Furthermore, certain chemicals, as ammonia, 

 prussic acid, etc., are supposed to form. 



In which respect do scalds differ from burns ? 



There is very little difference. From the standpoint of 

 intensity, the same three degrees as given under burns are con- 

 sidered. Right here it may be stajied that cutaneous injuries 

 following the actions of strong alkalies and acids are more 

 closely related to a burn than a scald. 



OuUine the treatment of burns and scalds. 



Burns of the first degree are rarely treated by the veter- 

 inarian. In those of the second degree the blisters are opened 

 at the most dependent part under antiseptic precautions; parts 

 which can be bandaged are then dressed with aristol, boric 

 acid, zinc oxide 1 : 2, or when bandages cannot be applied fre- 

 quently painted with Carron oil (lime water and linseed oil 

 aa). Burns of the third degree require unirritative germi- 

 cidal lotions. Sloughs are removed and trimmed away 

 wherever possible. As soon as the parts begin to granulate, 

 astringent and antiseptic powders, as tannoform, are indi- 

 cated. In those cases where such extremities as the tail and 

 ears are burned beyond the possibility of recovery, they are 

 to be amputated. Burns the result of alkalies are neutralized 

 by dilute acids— for instance, vinegar ; while those due to 

 acids are treated with alkalies— as soap water, for instance— 



