302 The Diseases of Animals 



MUD FEVER 



This is a common name given to an inflammation 

 of the skin of the legs, usually caused by the irrita- 

 tion produced by mud and water in the spring of the 

 year. In geldings it is sometimes caused by urine 

 spattering against the fore legs. 



The skin is inflamed or tender. The hair looks 

 rough, and it may come out in patches. The skin at 

 the roots of the hair is scurfy and gummy. 



The treatment is practically the same as for 

 eczema, except that internal medication is required 

 only in severe cases. After the hair is clipped, the 

 legs should be well dressed with some bland oil or 

 ointment, such as castor oil or vaseline, before driving 

 the horse in mud or wet. Keep the legs clean. 



SCRATCHES, GREASE -HEEL 



Scratches is an inflammation of the glands of the 

 skin, especially in the region of the heels. When a simi- 

 lar condition occurs in front of the hock joint it is 

 called "sallenders"; at the back of the knee on the 

 fore leg it is called "mallenders." 



In most cases, scratches is caused by some external 

 irritant, such as mud, wet, or filth. It occurs most 

 frequently in the winter or spring when the roads 

 are muddy, or when the horses are confined in filthy 

 quarters. The reason the disease usually occurs in 

 the hind legs is because of their proximity to the 

 manure. In some parts of the West, where alkali soils 



