26 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



stitutioii long before the buds make their appearance, or 

 swelling along the course of the absorbents takes place. 

 In some instances, the buds do not ulcerate, but assume a 

 callous texture, in which case thej are very difficult to 

 reduce. At this period an apparent check to the disease takes 

 place, and the horse seems to be quite recovered. This, how- 

 ever, is only a delusion ; and although no symptoms of the 

 complaint manifest themselves for a number of months, it 

 is working in secret, and all at once breaks out in a most 

 malignant form, and probably in a few days he expires under 

 its influence. 



Sometimes a considerable swelling of the head takes place, 

 especially in the region of the muzzle, and from which an 

 extremely foetid mucous fluid is discharged. Various por- 

 tions of the body exhibit mangy eruptions ; swellings in 

 the limbs will follow, the heels will become cracked, exhibit- 

 ing all the appearance of grease. The animal in most cases 

 will become emaciated and weak. 



Farcy assumes many different appearances in its various 

 stages. It is no uncommon thing for one of the hind legs 

 to swell suddenly to a very large size, frequently upwards oi 

 three times its natural dimensions, accompanied by abrupt 

 projections and depressions, and which the poor animal will 

 be unable to move. This is generally accompanied by a 

 considerable degree of fever. 



The above swelling differs materially from that which is 

 usually denominated farcy humour. In this the skin pre- 

 sents a red and shining appearance, from the whole surface 

 of which exudes a thin fluid, accompanied by great lameness. 

 The fetlock is round, tumid, and smooth, and sw^ollen as far 

 as the heel. This disease is in consequence of want of 

 proper exercise, and being over-fed at the same time. Pain- 

 ful and disagreeable as this malady is, frequent fomentations 



