DR. LEGEAR'S STOCK BOOK. 101 



standing in filthy, wet stables, etc. A common cause of the dis- 

 ease in horses of fast work is, that on sweating freely the per- 

 spiration runs down upon the heels, irritates and causes them to 

 crack. Sometimes the animal gets his foot over a rope and rubs 

 it, setting up an irritation which by improper treatment ter- 

 minates in cracked heels. Scratches may also be caused by the 

 injudicious use of blisters; in fact, any irritant substance what- 

 ever may cause it. Cracked heels is a condition seldom seen 

 among horses that are properly cared for. 



Symptoms. A reddened appearance of the heel is usually the 

 fir^t thing noticed. This is soon followed by the appearance of 

 cracks or fissures, which usually extend from side to side. If the 

 trouble is in the fore limbs the animal will be very stiff in his 

 action, until he becomes warmed up, or until the blood oozes out, 

 when the stiffness will disappear. When in the hind limbs the 

 stiffness is not so great. Sometimes there is a slight swelling of 

 the affected limb, extending in some cases as high as the hock. 



Treatment. In the majority of cases the only treatment neces- 

 sary is to apply to all the affected parts two or three times per 

 day Dr. LeGear's Healing Lotion. (See Appendix.). Keep the 

 parts as clean as possible, but don't wash very often. Keep the 

 animal quiet for a few days and in a clean dry place. If the 

 above treatment fails to cure, or greatly improve the case in a 

 ^week's time, give the physic given in the treatment of Mallend- 

 ers, and follow with Dr. LeGear's Condition Powders to purify 

 the blood. Apply the Healing Lotion at least twice per day 

 during the treatment, or until cured. 



