248 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



by improper removal of warts and by indiscriminate use of caustics so 

 much in favour with old-world farriers. On the muzzle and lips of colts 

 at pasture warts will sometimes form in countless numbers, and their 

 proper treatment will come under consideration when speaking of diseases 

 of the skin generally. 



The angles of the mouth are also sometimes observed to be cracked, 

 ulcerated, and inflamed, as a result of the use of sharp bits and the cruel 

 and foolish practice adopted by breakers of the more ignorant class of 

 placing blistering material upon them with a view to obviating " hard 

 mouths ". No method more calculated to defeat its object could be devised, 

 as the ultimate result is thickening of a permanent nature and reduction 

 of the sensibility of the parts. Oil of vitriol and sugar smeared upon 

 the bit, with the object of producing a glossy coat, is another device of 

 ignorant carters, resulting in sore lips. 



The mucous membrane covering the inner side of the lips is liable to 

 become injured from without by blows forcing it against the teeth, or 

 from extension of inflammation from the corners of the mouth. 



In certain forms of inflammation of the mouth, as well as in horse-pox, 

 these organs are the seat of eruptions which may occur on one side or the 

 other or both. 



Treatment. — In this connection no great difficulty need be antici- 

 pated. Of the troubles we have been speaking, most can be successfully 

 combated by remedies with which the patient himself will assist us. 

 We refer, of course, to the use of warm, sloppy food, as bran mashes, 

 boiled meal, pulped roots, scalded bread, and like emollients, which must 

 necessarily be brought into contact with the parts affected and produce 

 a good effect before the patient can swallow them. To guard against 

 irritation of the injured surface, hay, corn, and chaff should be scalded 

 and rendered soft and easy of mastication. Nature alone will sometimes 

 effect repair with these simple precautions and the rest which they afford 

 to the inflamed parts. Medicaments of the simplest kind should be 

 chosen if any are needed. In alum solution we have almost a specific 

 for sore places of this kind, though more active agents may be requisite 

 where ulceration and indolent wounds require to be treated. It may be 

 necessary to stimulate a pale, languid sore by touching it with a solution 

 of nitrate of silver, or sulphate of copper (blue stone), or some other 

 agent of a similar character, to induce the healing process. 



A liberal dressing of vaseline or lard, to soften the skin, will afford the 

 patient comfort, and should not be omitted in dealing with a delicate horse 

 which is easily deterred from feeding. The old-fashioned remedy known as 

 Friar's-Balsam has an excellent healing effect, and is a most suitable appli- 



