NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
ULCERATION OF THE FOREHEAD.
175
Treatment : Preventive.—Animals that have to work in water
should be carefully inspected after work and, on the slightest ap-
pearance of any cracking, the matter should be reported and the
animal rested or changed to other work.
Curative.—Clean and thoroughly dry standings, if possible, on
cement or boarded floors ; on no account should an animal be allow-
ed to enter slush or water ; he should be bathed away from a
stream. The affected parts are to be cleansed thoroughly daily
with phenyle (1—60), or carbolic acid (1—60), or Condy's fluid 1
ounce to the pint, and the parts dressed with carbolized vaseline
or oil, oxide of zinc ointment, or boracic acid ointment, or with pow-
dered boracic acid and iodoform, equal parts, or iodoform, oxide of
zinc, and starch, equal parts. If discharge is profuse, acetate of lead
1 drachm to 12 ounces, or sulphate of zinc or copper, 4 or 5 grains
to the ounce of water should be applied once daily. The affected parts
must be covered with tow and the foot enveloped in sacking ; on
recovery the animal must not be worked in water for two or three
months,
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 must be given com-
plete rest, kept under shelter, the bowels opened by a smart purge,
and cold applications by wet cloths applied (Appendix No. 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 grains to the ounce of water, may be applied, or carbolic,
iodoform, or oxide of zinc ointment (see Appendix Nos. 109, 110,
125, 127, 129).
When lotions are used, care should be taken to see that the
cloths are well wrung out to prevent any getting 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
176
A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS.
are difficult to cure. If the ulcers are indolent, they may be touched
with a little lunar caustic or blue-stone. If the bone be exposed,
the surface should be dressed with dilute nitric acid lotion (dilute
nitric acid 2 drachms to 8 ounces 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, &c., assists
in protecting the head from the effects of the sun. The daily appli-
cation of oil tends to deepen the colour of the skin and the elephant
accordingly feels the heat more; but oil is very useful to the atten-
dant, so is indented for.
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 maltreat-
ment and carelessness is to place the attendants on half pay during
the period their charge is incapacitated from work.
Ulceration of the ear.
This may be seen on the edges of the ear, on the flaps, or in the
canal which leads internally.
Causes.— Dirt, debility, or bathing the animal when heated, neg-
lected tears, and wounds. The condition is also met with some-
times in well-conditioned elephants, the tail being affected at the
same time, and this has caused me to believe that certain grasses,
or even grain food may be affected by a fungus such as 'ergot.'
Ergot is a fungus which grows on rye and other grasses, and pro-
duces gangrene, or a destructive ulceration of the fingers, toes, and
other extremities' in human beings. It seems to me possible that
this identical fungus or something similar may account for this con-
dition which we see in these animals.
Symptoms.—That form seen on the edges of the ear has a ten-
dency to spread and the parts to become destroyed and thrown off,
considerably reducing the size of the flap.
That which is met with on the flap and sometimes extending into
the canal, discharges profusely. When the canal itself is attacked
there is a danger of the disease extending to the brain.
Treatment.—Is difficult in this situation owing to the perpetual
motion of these appendages. The sore surfaces must be kept
thoroughly clean and dressed on the lines already mentioned for
ulcers.
ULCERATION OF THE TAIL—ABSCESS.
177
When the canal is affected, a syringe will be required to keep the
parts clean ; no force must be employed and the canal must not be
plugged. To insure powders reaching the ulcerated surfaces, they
should be placed in a small bamboo, which, when insinuated into
the orifice, may have its contents gently blown in.
Ulceration of the tail.
Ulceration sometimes attacks the extremity of the tail.
Causes.—General debility, or extreme age.
Symptoms.—The hair is shed and the skin ulcerates for a vari-
able distance up the tail. This destructive process is prone to extend
to the deeper tissues, all of which may die and considerable portions
of the tail may slough off.
Treatment.—As laid down for ulcers in general.
Abscess.
The term applied to a circumscribed collection of matter (pus)
usually occurring in the deeper layers of the skin or tissues beneath it.
Causes.—Irritation and uncleanliness, pricks from thorns, stakes,
nails, bruises, uneven pressure from loads, ill-fitting gear; hence
it follows that they are most often met with on parts subject to
pressure such as the back and sides; they are not infrequently seen
in the feet.
Symptoms.—Swelling accompanied by heat, pain, and tender-
ness. The formation of matter in these animals is a somewhat
slower process than in man and many animals, and, owing to
the thickness of the skin, the abscess does not readily come to a
head and so permit of exit of the contents, but instead it burrows
beneath it
Treatment.—As soon as a swelling about the back after work
is noticed, it should be treated as already laid down for this condi-
tion under the heading of abrasion. When matter has formed, the
only treatment consists in evacuating it; this in itself is a simple
process, but the diagnosis of the presence of fluid is frequently a
difficult matter as owing to the thickness of the skin fluctuation is
not readily obtained. To observe fluctuation place the fingers
firmly on one side of the swelling and with the fingers of the other
hand gently press the tumour; if the swelling be felt to rise and fall
under the first hand, it is due to the presence of fluid, and the sensa-
tion imparted is what is understood as fluctuation; it is as well to
try and obtain it in two directions at least. To recognize fluctuation
23
178
A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS.
only requires a little practice, but much skill is necessary to detect
matter in small quantity or where it is deeply seated. As already
observed, if matter be not liberated, it will burrow and increase the
extent of the mischief; hence it is essential to evacuate it as soon
as possible after it has formed. A swelling that has shown no sign
of reducing and is attended by pain, local heat, and tenderness, and
especially if there be any fever present, even if fluctuation be not
obtained, a knife should be plunged deeply into it, for it is better to
do this when no matter exists than to postpone doing it for some
time after it may have accumulated; no harm beyond laying the
animal up for a few days can arise from the first contingency, but
considerable harm in the latter.
Mahouts are proverbially dilatory in opening an abscess and
prefer to leave it, saying that it is not ripe, or too hard, and are there-
fore responsible for the loss of an animal's service for a much longer
period than need be.
Method of procedure in opening an abscess: first of all wash the
part thoroughly with some disinfecting solution (see Appendix 114
to 120), then plunge a knife deeply into the swelling, i.e., stab it, or
better still plunge a fine trocar and canula into it, withdrawing the
former; if matter now escapes, make a free incision into the swelling in
such a situation as to allow the readiest means of drainage, that is, if
on the back incise the lowest portion of the swelling, naturally if the
upper portion was opened a pocket would be left in which the dis-
charges would collect. A free incision right through the length of
the swelling is in my experience the shortest procedure in the long
run. Mahouts if allowed to carry out their own methods will tinker
about the business, fail to give free vent to the discharges, and will
lay an animal up indefinitely. If in the region of the spine or bony
points, the hands or fingers should after disinfecton be thrust in and
the wound explored for dead pieces of bone (see Fig. 33), which
may occasionally be found and should be removed, after which the
cavity should be cleansed by syringing it out with disinfecting lotions
and the wound dressed, and a large piece of lint steeped in some
camphorated oil, dikamali ointment or some other preparation
which will keep flies away (see Appendix 128, 130, and 137) should
be placed between the lips of the wound, to prevent its closing too
rapidly. Dressings can be kept in place by using strips of good
resin plaster. The cavity will require dressing at least once daily
till healed. In neglected cases when the skin has become under-
mined, and this may be extensive in every direction, to pro-
mote the healing process it is necessary to have recourse to caus-
tic solutions. The cavities should be syringed out with tincture
of iodine 1 to 2 drachms to the pint, carbolic acid (1 to 20), or sul-
ABSCESS OF THE FOOT.
179
phate of zinc or copper lotion 5 grains to the ounce (also see
Appendix 98 to 102), after which as a rule healing commences;
if not, the injection must be repeated every second or third day till
the wound assumes a healthy aspect. Where pockets exist one or
more openings should be made so that the discharges can completely
drain away and to keep up the irritation pieces of tape previously
disinfected may be passed from the original wound through the new
openings and then knotted, or a piece of wood tied at each of the ends
to keep them from slipping through; the tapes should be moved up
and down once or twice a day and removed as soon as a healthy
discharge issues. In old-standing cases a blister or strong liniment
applied over the undermined portion but not on the wound itself often
promotes healing. All incisions through the skin should, as much as
possible, be made in the direction of the natural folds or wrinkles,
not across them; otherwise they will gape, and when healed leave
ugly scars (see Fig. 32).
Abscess of the foot.
Causes.—The sole of the foot is comparatively thin, and nature in-
tended it for transit over soft ground ; it follows therefore that when
an animal is put to constant work on hard roads or rough country,
especially when the work is carried on for protracted intervals, the
slipper or sole becomes unduly worn and attenuated, and in this con-
dition may very easily be severely bruised or wounded by even blunt
bodies, and abscess is very likely to arise.
Symptoms.—Are the same as already described, with no swelling,
or at least so slight as to easily escape notice, intense pain (especially
when pressed with the fingers), to which lameness is superadded,
or the animal by his posture may arouse suspicion, such as constantly
resting the affected foot. Inflammation as in other parts is apt to
extend, in which case heat and puffiness may be observed around the
hoof slipper or even above the nails. Matter frequently, owing to
its being unable to find an exit at the sole, burrows upwards and es-
capes above the nails at the junction of the slipper with the skin,
sometimes leaving a passage, or sinus.
Treatment.—As soon as an animal shows signs of lameness the
foot should be examined most carefully for wounds. By gent-
ly tapping the sole with a hammer if any tenderness is evinced, or
if any undue heat can be noticed with the hand, the animal must
be forthwith rested, and, if this is done early enough, trouble may be
averted; the sole must be thoroughly cleansed with brush and carbo-
lized soft soap and water and a cold bran poultice applied, but, if
180
A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS.
this does not reduce the heat and tenderness in twenty-fours hours
or thereabouts, hot fomentations should be substituted and the
temperature taken every four hours or so, for, if the inflammation
is of a severe character, the thermometer is sure to show a rise,
in which case there should be no delay in opening the abscess. In
this situation owing to the horny nature of the sole it should be pared
over the seat of inflammation till quite thin before using the knife;
this procedure should immediately be carried out in the case of
punctured wounds in anticipation of future mischief. After this
treat the abscess as above described ; should a fistulous opening ap-
pear in the parts already mentioned, injection of sulphate of zinc,
or copper, 2 to 5 grains to the ounce (see Appendix 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 and enveloped in
gunny and placed in a leather boot.
Abscess (serous).
What are known as serous abscesses are occasionally met with,
they may contain blood, serum, &c.
Causes.—Falls or severe blows.
Symptoms.—After a heavy fall or a severe blow a swelling sud-
denly appears, fluctuation may be detected, there may be no heat
or pain, as in an acute abscess containing matter, the effused
material may be blood or serum the result of direct injury to the
underlying tissues, or rupture of some of the vessels.
Treatment.—Rest, a purgative and frequent fomentation, which
usually brings about absorption of the effused material; but, should
the swelling increase and be accompanied by doughiness, increased
pain, heat, tenderness and fever, it may be inferred that matter has
formed (purulent abscess), and must accordingly be evacuated
without delay and treated as laid down.
Boils.
Boils are frequently met with in this animal confined to no parti-
cular part of the body, but perhaps more often seen on the front
of face or quarters, inside of thighs, and under the belly, but
they may be distributed all over the body. They may be either
boils which proceed to suppuration, or what are known as "blind
boils," that is, they do not go on to the formation of matter and may
disappear with or without treatment.
DISEASE OF THE NAILS.
181
Causes.—Derangement of the digestive organs especially the
liver, and depravity of blood from any cause. "Intelligent mahouts
"say they may arise from the too free use of mercury "—(Hawkes).
Symptoms.—A circumscribed, hard, elevated swelling of the
skin, often painful and tender to the touch, not as a rule disposed to
come to a head. If a boil bursts, a tough slough of the deeper
parts of the skin and even the tissues beneath, commonly called
the " core," is disclosed.
Treatment.—The cause must be sought for, if the digestive
system be out of order, the state of the bowels must be attended
to, and kept regular by means of laxatives, purgatives or enemas, as
the strength of the animal may indicate. Small doses of aloes,
about 3 drachms, and calomel 30 to 40 grains every alternate
day for a week may do good. If the animal be weak, good mixed
food, boiled rice, may be given, also some cordial (see Appendix
11 to 14) conjoined with tonics may be administered.
Local.—Foment with warm water and open as early as possible
otherwise the matter may burrow ; for procedure see abscess. After
evacuation foment and treat as an ordinary wound.
Disease of the nails.
Warty growths around the Nails.—This is not a very rare affec-
tion amongst timber working elephants, especially those that con-
stantly 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, and the feet dry
and clean, and treat sores as laid down under ulcers.
Ingrowing and Overgrown Nails.—Elephants, especially those
that work much in water, are liable to ingrowing nails. Again, in-
juries 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 cold water, the nail is softened and can be
182
A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS.
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
discharge may be observed issuing at the junction of the nails and
skin, and also from beneath them. These cases are at times trouble-
some, especially when there is much discharge from under the nails.
Treatment.—Cleanliness and keeping the feet dry is essential.
The affected parts must be thoroughly washed at least once daily
with some weak antiseptic lotion, and dressed with iodoform oint-
ment, dry calomel, carbolic acid ointment. As the case improves,
tar dressing may be applied.
Most of these affections of the feet are due to want of proper
care and management.
Eczema.
This disease is by no means rare amongst elephants.
Causes.—More common among animals subjected to treatment
opposed to their natural habits, such as keeping them tethered in
the sun, feeding on coarse indigestible grass, or on leaves and
boughs of trees unpalatable to them ; or not varying the diet; want
of cleanliness as regards grooming and washing. Defective nutri-
tion of the skin, sudden alteration in diet. In fact any condition
liable to bring about an unhealthy state of the system is calculated
to provoke an attack. I have heard it called mange ; this is incor-
rect, as it differs from that disease in that it does not depend on
the presence of a parasite, and that it is non-contagious. Several
animals may, however, be attacked at the same time, but the reason
for this is, that generally speaking those that suffer have been par-
taking of the same kind of food and in other matters subjected to
similar treatment. The disease may attack animals in good con-
dition, but is more common and severe in those that are aged or
debilitated. In my experience the malady is met with most fre-
quently during the hot weather. The disease is also liable to recur.
URTICARIA.
183
Symptoms.—Irritation of the skin, manifested by a desire on the
part of the animal to rub the body against posts, trees; the skin on
examination will be found to be hot and tender. This is followed
by crops of blisters or vesicles 5 in the milder cases observed about
neck, shoulders, and quarters, but in those that are more severe,
may also be seen on the head, ears, neck, sides of belly and be-
tween thighs. These vesicles burst, the discharge drying on the
surface. Successive crops of blisters may appear. In severe
cases there may be a watery discharge from the eyes, which later
become whitish, or the corneæ may become clouded.
Treatment: General.-Attention to general management, with
regard to shelter, food, and cleanliness, and especially stabling for
a time on a boarded, cement, or other flooring, free from dust,
and sand, and removing any defect that may be found in above.
Tonics, see Appendix Nos. 39 to 46.
Local.—The eruptions must receive careful attention, the crusts
must be soaked in sweet oil for some hours and then removed by
washing. The resulting raw surfaces must be cleansed with weak
carbolic, 1—60; phenyle, 1—60 ; permanganate of potash 2 or 3
grains to the pint, after which they should be dressed with any of the
following,—Acetate of lead 1 drachm, glycerine 1 ounce, and water a
pint; or substitute powdered borax 2 or 3 drachms for the lead.
As the case improves carbolic oil, dikamali ointment, or boracic
acid ointment may be used with benefit.
The eyes when affected must be treated as laid down under inflam-
mation of cornea. I have seen one case where sloughing of por-
tions of the tail and ears were superadded to the above, but whether
dependent or independent of this affection I am not prepared to
venture an opinion. From poor to luxuriant pasture A high sur-
rounding temperature.
Urticaria.
Nettle-rash or surfeit may occasionally be met with. It consists
of an eruption on the skin, which is usually very sudden in its ap-
pearance. The rash may be general, or appear only in patches.
Causes.—The more frequent causes are errors in diet, such
as sudden changes of food, from poor to luxuriant pasture, allowing
animals to drink freely when the body is heated. A high surround-
ing temperature.
Symptoms.—As a rule there is little or no constitutional disturb-
ance to speak of. The rash appears as elastic lumps of varying
size, sometimes being as large as walnuts, and is usually seen about
the neck, shoulders, and sides of abdomen.