372 CHAPTER 50. 



7(33. Signs of Grease. 



The earliest signs are a slight tendency of the hairs oil the inside of 

 the heels to stand up, and very shortly after to show very minute spots 

 of oil on the hairs. 



764. Treatment. 



No case of Grease ought ever to be allowed to get further than this. 

 With ordinary care on the part of a stableman, no case of Grease ought 

 to escape notice on the first day of its appearance certainly not later 

 than the second day. 



The treatment of this disease, if taken in time, is very simple. Wash 

 the greasy heel with soap and warm water well. Then dry it and put 

 on oxide of zinc, 1 part zinc to 8 of lard. If the greasy heel is not well 

 on the following morning, repeat the ointment. In most cases the horse 

 will be fit for work on the second or third day. 



In neglected cases, if the disease has been suffered to run on to the 

 ulcerative stage, the sores will require to be dressed with caustic appli- 

 cations, until a healthy action is established. If, however, grapes have 

 formed, the excrescences will need to be cut off, and the parts must then 

 be cauterised. 



When the sores begin to heal, they arc very apt to itch, and the horse 

 may probably, unless prevented by a cradle or by tying up his head, gnaw 

 them. Exercise, though in some respects it might be beneficial, yet, 

 whilst the sores are open, generally seems to aggravate the disease. As 

 soon as the sores are healed, regular walking exercise on dry ground 

 should be given. 



In cases of chronic greasy discharge of a virulent nature, a lotion of a 

 stronger character than that recommended above will be required, such 

 as an ounce of sulphate of copper dissolved in a pint of water. 



Grease is neither infectious nor contagious. It often appears among 

 many horses in a stable or at about the same time, because similar causes 

 produce similar effects. 



CRACKED HEELS. 

 765. Siyns of Cracked Heels. 



The Heel becomes hot, tender, and swollen, and the skin cracks in 

 various places. The horse, when first brought out of the stable, is quite 

 lame, but after a little exercise the lameness goes off. In bad cases the 

 heel and the part of the leg immediately above may become so swollen 

 and tender, that the act of bending occasions great pain ; and a very little 

 blood may perhaps ooze out of the cracks. Where this occurs, it shows, 

 as a general rule, reprehensible neglect. 



765<i. Causes. 

 Generally the same as those which generate grease. 



