DISEASE OF THE NAILS. 
223 
treat the abscess as described. If a fistulous opening appears in 
^he parts abovementioned, injection of sulphate of zinc or copper, 
2 to 5 grains to the ounce {see Formulae 98 to 102) should be tried, 
and if necessary repeated and the parts dressed. In all injuries 
of the feet the foot should be dressed, enveloped in gunny and 
placed in a leather boot. 
Disease of the Nails. 
Warty growths around the nails. — This is not a very rare 
affection amongst tim.ber-working elephants, especially those that 
constantly work in water ; these growths, which resemble warts 
around the top of the nails, do not as a rule give trouble while 
animals are working in dry places ; but when worked in water, they 
often soften and ulcerate, sometimes causing nasty angry sores. 
The animal is not ordinarily incapacitated from work, nor does he 
go lame. 
Treatment. — Keep the animal out of water, the feet dry and 
clean, and treat sores on general principles. 
Ingrowing and overgrown nails. — Elephants especially those 
that .work much in water are liable to ingrowing nails. Again 
injuries to the feet, such as frequently happen while elephants are 
walking about logs, may cause one or more nails to grow out in an 
unnatural manner. 
An ingrowing nail may cause much pain and lameness. Some- 
times a little proud flesh is noticed about the position where the 
nail is buried. 
Treatment. — Remove with a sharp knife. If the animal is kept 
standing for some hours in water, the nail is softened and can be 
cut ; moreover owing to the effects of the cold, the amount of pain 
caused during operation is diminished. 
When nails are overgrown, the offending portion may be 
removed with a fret-saw ; but if the foot has been placed in water for 
an hour or two, an ordinary strong sharp knife will be found to 
answer the purpose. 
Moisture around and under the Nails. 
Causes. — Usually bad sanitation or standing continually in wet 
places. 
Symptoms.- — Itchiness manifested by the animal rubbing one foot 
against the other. If the nails are pressed, a nasty smelling 
