8 June, 1908.] Diseases of the Skiu. 341 



branchlike scales. The affection is mostly localized at the base of the 

 mane, root of the tail and about the neck, shoulders and croup. 



Treatment. — Local applications dO' not appear to do much good. 

 The disease must be attacked through the system and after a cleansing of 

 the bowels by a purgative or laxative medicine (page 157) a course of tonics 

 (arsenic and sulphur alternated) is the best possible treatment. Care 

 should be taken in grooming not to irritate the skin and only the softest 

 brushes and cloths should be used. 



Rain Rot in Sheep. 



This is an eczematoiis condition of the skin of sheep occurring in poorly 

 fed animals with sparse wool. The surface skin of the neck, shoulders, 

 back and tail becomes softened by rain or dampness. A thickening of the 

 the skin follows and may be accompanied by- the formation of vesicles and 

 scabs. The wool is likely to fall oft' and there is great itchiness. 



Treatment. — In mild cases the aft'ection disappears as soon as the 

 rainy season is over. If this does not happen the parts should be dressed 

 with Tincture of Creolin (page 343) or one of the ointments recommended 

 for eczema in the dog. 



Mud Fever. 



This is really an eczema of the skin of the legs, flanks and abdomen 

 of horses, arising from the irritation of mud and dirt or the application of 

 cold water when the skin is in a heated or blood-flushed condition. The 

 skin becomes harsh and dry and scurfy and pimples may form and be 

 succeeded by scabs. The affection is seldom seen in horses whose legs are 

 not clipped or washed. 



Treatment. — A laxative drench (page 157) sho^uld be given and emol- 

 lient dressings (oil and soda linament, page 338) applied. 



Mallenders and Sallenders. 



These are terms applied to an eczematous condition of the flexion 

 surfaces of the knee and hock (the back of the knee and the front of the 

 hock). They are often caused by want of care in the application of blisters 

 in the region. In all cases of counter-irritants being applied to the limbs 

 the skin of the bends or flexures of joints should be protected by smearing 

 with vaseline or other greasy substance. On becoming established eczemas 

 in these situations assume a special character and are more difficult to 

 cure. The thickened skin on account of the movement to which the part 

 is continually subject is formed into folds between which crevices or 

 cracks occur. The edges of these cracks become inflamed and covered 

 wuth dry scabs. The hair stands erect and often falls out. If not quicklv 

 healed the condition becomes chronic and a scaly exudate is continually 

 formed or the trouble may develop into a localized " grease." 



Treatment. — This will vary with the stage of the disease but as 

 a rule the treatment recommended for " cracked heels " and for " grease " 

 is successful. 



Cracked Heels in Horses. 



By cracked heels is understood an irritable and inflamed condition of 

 the skin of the horse's heels. It is associated with heat, tenderness, and 



