Foot-and-Mouth Disease. 
469 
removed, and the feet afterwards well syringed with an anti- 
septic or styptic solution. Four ounces of common nitre to a 
gallon of water will make a lotion which is very effective in the 
early stage of the disease ; it may be used with a common 
syringe two or three times a day. Large vesicles between the 
digits or on the heels, if they are full of fluid, should be punc- 
tured in order to prevent the mechanical effects of fluid pressure, 
and any portions of the separated horny tissue which becomes 
blackened and rotten should be cut away with scissors, as they 
will increase the irritation and prevent the secretion of new 
horny structure of proper density. 
Powerful astringent applications, which will arrest the dis- 
charge altogether, are not proper for the feet ; indeed, their use 
is likely to cause active inflammation of the parts, which other- 
wise would only suffer from irritation ; but if the nitrate of 
potash does not sufficiently control the exudation from the dis- 
eased surface, a solution of chloride of zinc, one part of Sir W. 
Burnett's fluid to fifty parts of water, may be used instead. 
Carbolic acid in solution, of the same strength as the zinc 
lotion, is also a very good application. 
Alum-water, made by dissolving an ounce of alum in a quart 
of water, is more decidedly styptic than either of the other 
lotions, and may be resorted to when they are not sufficiently 
potent to arrest the exudation from the diseased membrane. 
The mildest remedy — the nitre lotion — should always be used 
in the first instance, and during the continuance of fever. The 
more active solutions may be employed when the thermometer 
indicates a return to the natural temperature, not exceeding 
102 degrees. 
After all the local inflammation or irritation has subsided, and 
the exposed membrane of the internal foot becomes covered with 
healthy horn tissue, a coating of common tar will be useful as 
a protection to the newly-developed structure, but, while active 
disease is present, this material, so commonly used, often mixed 
with caustic agents, adds to the local excitement, and embar- 
rasses the surgeon by obscuring his view of the diseased parts. 
When the udder is implicated in the disease, as it often is, 
even in the mild form of it, great attention must be paid to the 
part, especially when the animals are in milk. The most simple 
manifestation of the affection in this region is the development of 
a few vesicles on various parts of the integument covering the 
gland, frequently on the teats, even on the apex round the 
opening of the canal. 
Swelling with redness and heat may affect the whole gland, 
or be confined to one quarter, and in many cases one or two 
quarters are painful, and very hard to the touch. 
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