Erysipelas is an inflammation of the skin which tends to spread rapidly over large surfaces, accompanied by severe constitutional symptoms. The disease is assumed to be blood poisoning and may be caused by contagion, or by local infection as in wounds and diseases of the skin. Other causes have been assigned by certain writers but the most eminent authorities maintain the disease is never spontaneous, but to produce it there most be some irritating matter with inflammatory properties introduced into the system, and circulated in the skin.

Erysipelas is known by redness of the skin, some swelling, heat, and severe pain. In rare instances the eruption may remain confined, to the spot first affected, but it usually spreads rapidly, disappearing in the parts first attacked as it extends. The constitutional symptoms are often very severe. The disease is generally ushered in by a chill as shown by shivering; then follows pain, rapid, bounding pulse, fever, thirst, and often vomiting. As the eruption extends these symptoms become more prominent and may assume a low typhoidal type. The disease is one of great severity, and dangerous unless the eruption remains confined to the spot where it first appeared. If it can be arrested early the chances of recovery are much more favorable.

The general condition of the animal must be considered in treatment. If plethoric and of inflammable tendency a cathartic should be given on the first occurrence of the eruption. Throughout the course of the disease, supportive measures are to be employed. The diet should be nutritious and concentrated, given more generously as the disease progresses; milk, beef tea, raw eggs, and scraped raw beef are the principal articles to be depended upon. Fain should be controlled by laudanum in fifteen drop doses, repeated as the need is apparent.

In very severe cases the tincture of the chloride of iron should be given in ten drop doses, every three hours in a little water. If the animal shows Signs of sinking, two teaspoonfuls of brandy should be given from two to four hours. Quinine in one or two grain doses may be added to the treatment if the pulse becomes soft and weak. Local measures are to be employed to allay the irritation, and arrest the extension of the disease. While fever exists ice cold preparations are preferable, and the affected parts should be kept constantly wet with the following solution. - Acid. Acet. Dil. ℥ jj; Liq. Plumbi Subacet. ℥ ij; Tr. Opii ℥ i; Aqua) ad. Oi. Ft Mist. Sig. External use only.

As the fever abates cold applications may be displaced by an ointment made of carbolic acid one drachm, the oxide of zinc ointment six ounces.

If pus forms it should be evacuated by incisions, scveral small ones being advised rather than a larger opening. After the operation the wounds are to be treated with flaxseed poultices as in cases of abscesses.

If the stomach becomes much disturbed and vomiting frequent, the diet must be reduced to milk and lime water, the tonics be temporarily suspended, and five grain doses of bismuth given every two hours.