514 THE MANAGEMENT OF FARM HORSES 



of aconite (Fleming's, in 5 to lo-drop doses), or, even more 

 reliable, P. B. tincture of aconite in 20 to 3O-drop doses. 

 Failing the aconite, laudanum as an anodyne may be used 

 in 2-oz. doses, at intervals of four hours. A dose of physic 

 (5 or 6 drams of aloes, or 20 to 30 oz. of raw linseed oil) 

 should be given, at the onset of the malady; provided there 

 are no signs of diarrhoea in that case a purgative increases 

 the irritation and aggravates the attack. The poultices should 

 be frequently changed, and, if the animal does not lie down, 

 he should be put down, to relieve the pressure on the feet." 

 In a few days the patient must be exercised on soft ground, 

 and a pair of thin-heeled box shoes should be put on, and 

 exercise repeated twice a day. 



Grease is an inflammation of the skin of the heel, with 

 an increased discharge from the local glands of sebaceous 

 or fatty matter, and hence the name. Underbred, heavy 

 horses (especially those with hard, curly hair on their legs) 

 are more liable to it than light ones, and the hind legs are 

 more commonly affected than the fore. 



" The essential cause is an unhealthy condition of the 

 blood, due to overfeeding with corn, and insufficient exercise. 

 Predisposition to the disease is distinctly hereditary, and 

 it is undoubtedly a mistake to breed from animals that have 

 suffered from this affection. It is a frequent subject of 

 remark among breeders that certain families of cart-horses 

 are liable to develop grease. Cracked heels that have been 

 neglected are liable to degenerate into this more intractable 

 disease. In chronic and aggravated cases, the papillae of 

 the skin increase, forming large wart-like growths, termed 

 ' grapes.' Treatment. Give a dose of physic, and lower the 

 diet. Clip the hair from the heels, and foment two or three 

 times daily, and, when the inflammation has subsided, apply 

 astringent lotions, as chloride of zinc 40 grs. to i pint of 

 water, Goulard's solution, I oz. to 4 oz. of glycerine, i oz. 

 of sulphate of copper to 4 of boiling water, after being 

 allowed to cool. A frequent change of dressings in skin 

 diseases will often effect a cure when any one of them 

 would fail. When grapes are present they must be removed 

 by the hot iron, carefully protecting the healthy portion of the 

 heel by a cold iron while the hot one is being used. A run 

 out at grass purifies the blood and aids in the cure of grease." 



