388 * THE HORSE. 



SURFEIT. 



AN ERUPTION of the skin, which shows itself in the form of 

 numerous small scabs, matting the hair, and chiefly met with on 

 the loins and quarters, is known by this name. Doubtless, it has 

 been supposed to arise from an excess of food, causing indigestion ; 

 but it often comes on in horses which, apparently, are quite free 

 from that disorder. The most common cause appears to be, sweat- 

 ing the horse when he is in a gross or plethoric condition, and then 

 exposing him to a chill. Colts are very subject to surfeit while 

 being broken, as are horses fresh from grass during the summer, 

 when they are usually over-fat, and require great care in reducing 

 this plethoric condition. The usual course of the eruption is for 

 the scabs to dry and gradually loosen, when the hair of the part is 

 slightly thinned by being pulled out in dressing, a fresh crop of 

 pustules forming, and, to the casual observer, keeping up the ap- 

 pearance of a permanent state of the original scabs. Surfeit is 

 not confined to gross horses, as it sometimes makes its appearance 

 in those which are low in condition, exhibiting the same appear- 

 ance to the eye; but, on examination, the secretion from the skin 

 will be found to be thinner, and of a more purulent nature. The 

 treatment must greatly depend upon the state of the general health. 

 If the horse is very gross, it may be desirable to take a little blood 

 away ; but this will seldom be necessary, and never is desirable. 

 Physic seems to do little immediate good ; and, indeed, it is very 

 doubtful whether any treatment is of much service, excepting such 

 as will gradually bring the horse into working condition. The 

 disease, in most cases, has its origin in obstruction of the seba- 

 ceous and perspiratory pores; and until these are restored to their 

 proper functions, by gradually exercising them, little good can be 

 done. Unfortunately, the very means which will accomplish this 

 object are apt to increase the disease for a time ; but still this 

 must be put up with, as a matter in which no choice can be made. 

 Regular exercise and grooming must be fully attended to, using 

 the whisp only in dressing the skin, when the eruption shows 

 itself, and carefully avoiding the brush and currycomb. By acting 

 on the kidneys, more good will be done than by purging physic, 

 which seems to be of little or no service in any case but when the 

 stomach is greatly out of order. An ounce of nitre may be given 

 with a mash twice a week, or the following balls may be ad- 

 ministered : 



Take of Nitre, 



Sulphur, of each 3 drachms. 



Sulphuret of Antimony 2 drachms. 



Linseed Meal and Water enough to form two balls. 



