194 
A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS. 
(Formula 138), or applying a blister, may reduce the swellings. If 
ulcerated, treat as laid down under that heading. 
Ulceration of the Forehead. 
The skin of the forehead is liable to become tender and sore from 
constant exposure to a hot sun. Ill-tempered careless drivers are 
given to a too free use of the goad, inflicting punctured wounds. 
Injury may also occur to the forehead when not protected, while 
the animal is engaged in pushing or overthrowing obstacles. 
Care must be taken with these cases, as the inflammation is liable 
to spread to the sinuses of the skull. 
Treatment. — If due to exposure, the animal should be given 
complete rest, kept under shelter, the bowels opened by a smart 
purge, and cold applications by wet cloths applied (Formulas 103 to 
106). In some cases hot fomentations afford more relief. When 
the inflammation subsides, alum lotion, or weak zinc or copper 
lotion, 3 to 5 grs. to the ounce of water, may be applied, or 
carbolic, iodoform, or oxide of zinc ointment {see Formulae 109, 
no, 125, 127, 129). 
When lotions are used, care should be taken to see that the 
cloths are well wrung out to prevent any dripping into the eyes, 
and as an extra precaution vaseline, lard, or oil should be freely 
smeared round the eyes. 
In severe cases there may be some ulceration and formation of 
matter. Such parts must be kept thoroughly clean, the matter given 
free exit and the injuries carefully protected. Some of these cases 
are difficult to cure. If the ulcers are indolent, they rnay be touched 
w^ith a little lunar caustic or blue-stone, or dressed with ointment 
subacetate of copper 2 drs., oil of turpentine 2 drs., lard 3 ozs. The 
turpentine and lard should be melted together and the copper later 
thoroughly stirred in. If the bone be exposed, the surface should be 
dressed with dilute nitric acid lotion (dilute nitric acid 2 drs. to 8 ozs. 
of water). 
Elephants that are much exposed to the sun should be provided 
with a quilted pad, especially if employed for much pushing work. 
If a pad is not available, a coating of pipe-clay, chalk, etc., assists 
in protecting the head from the effects of the sun. Oil is very 
useful to the attendant so is indented for, but is of no material 
advantage to the elephant. 
The skin of the forehead of elephants under Indian mahouts is 
often tender and sore, owing to the brutal manner in which many of 
these men employ the goad. The best treatment for maltreatment 
