GREASE OR SCRATCHES. 45 



then running a bistoury along this groove, thus lay- 

 ing it open to the surface. The ulcer must be kept 

 clean, and if deep cavities exist, pressure upon the 

 sides will much facilitate their union from the bottom 

 by causing adhesion All such fistulous ulcers are 

 slow in healing, and require care and attention, but 

 with such care and management the treatment will 

 be successful . They should be kept clean and dress- 

 ed daily with the Calendula Lotion, prepared as 

 noted on page 27, to facilitate the healing. 



G-reasa or Scratches. 



The skin of the heels of a horse has this peculi- 

 arity, that in a healthy state it secretes a greasy or 

 oily matter which lubricates the surface, and renders 

 it soft and pliable as well as protects it in a measure 

 from dirt and moisture. Often, however, from want 

 of attention, and especially in coarse animals, fever 

 intervenes, the secretion is arrested, and the skin be- 

 comes tense and dry, red, and scurfy. The action of 

 the joint being continued, cracks or fissures form ia 

 the skin, and a liquid is discharged profusely from 

 the pores of the heel, at first clear like water, then 

 thicker, turbid, greasy, corroding the skin and roots 

 of the hair. The inflammation and pain make rapid 

 progress ; the animal cannot bear the slightest touch, 

 limps in walking, and when at rest holds the foot off 

 the ground. Swelling, heat, dryness, redness are the 

 first stage ; profuse moisture, cracks, and deep clefts, 

 the second. Sometimes, in very bad and neglected 

 cases, a yet more serious stage ensues. The ulcera- 

 tions extend over the entire heel and fetlock, and in 



