CONTAGIOUS PUSTULOUS DERMATITIS. 



547 



development of the granulations. Lymphangites are derived from 

 these suppurative lesions, which spread in all directions ; the neigh- 

 boring lymphatic ganglions may form abscesses. A cure occurs 

 but slowly ; the process often lasts six weeks, two months and over. 

 We may observe several acute outbreaks. But even in the most 

 serious cases the general condition is not much affected, and itching 

 is almost absent. 



Differential diag-nosis. 1. True variola of the horse is ordi- 

 narily localized upon the fold of the pastern ("dirty leg grease") 

 and it is always accompanied by febrile symptoms which are want- 

 ing in English variola. 



2. Farcy is marked by manifestations showing sometimes a true 

 analogy with those of grave English variola (ulceration, lymphan- 

 gitis) ; nevertheless, in the first we observe neither vesicles nor 

 pustules; the pus is liquid, oily, and the cutaneous ulcerations 

 have no tendency to cicatrization. 



3. If there is a certain clinical resemblance between pustulous 

 dermatitis and impetiginous eczema, in this case the dimensions of 

 the vesicles and pustules are always illy defined, the pruritus is 

 intense, and contagion is wanting or little marked. Some non- 

 parasitic pustulous eczemas may, however, be transmitted by inocu- 

 lation. In applying a piece of skin of a young bovine which was 

 affected by mercurial exanthema upon the internal side of the leg 

 of a healthy calf, Friedberger has determined a pustulous eczema. 



4. In its initial stage English variola may be confounded with 

 lesions which are produced by compression of the saddle or of the 

 girth, but soon all doubts are removed by the evolution of the 

 pustules. 



Treatment. As a prophylactic measure it is proper to isolate 

 the patients and to disinfect the stable utensils, harness, blankets, 

 etc., which have been used for these animals. In benign cases we 

 may confine ourselves to hygienic care. In a form of some gravity 

 the ulcers should be treated by means of antiseptics ; Friedberger 

 has obtained good results with carbolic acid ; Schindelka and Sie- 

 damgrotzky recommend a solution of sublimate at 1 per cent. 



