ECZEMA IN THE HORSE. 297 



days, in order to protect the diseased skin from irritation. This 

 method is particularly valuable when animals affected with eczema 

 about the lower parts of the limbs are obliged to work in wet weather 

 or on muddy roads. 



Internal medication comprises alkalies and arsenical preparations, 

 which may be given alternately for periods of a fortnight ; bicarbonate 

 of soda in daily doses of one to two ounces, followed by arsenious acid 

 in daily doses of seven to fifteen grains. Between the two courses 

 treatment should be suspended for intervals of one week. 



Chronic vegetating dermatitis of the pastern (grease) is treated b}' 

 cleansing the skin with warm antiseptic solutions, and applying astrin- 

 gents or slightly caustic preparations daily, or at intervals of several days. 

 Villate's solution, 5 to 6 per cent, solution of sulphate of copper, 2 per 

 cent, solution of chromic acid, and '2 to *3 per cent, watery or alcoholic 

 solutions of sublimate, or of formalin, appear to give the best results. 



Chronic dermatitis of the coronet is dealt with by applications of 

 tar, of tar and vaseline, or of slightly caustic solutions, and by thin- 

 ning the wall of the hoof opposite the diseased spot. 



Vegetating dermatitis of the foot — canker — necessitates exposure of 

 the entire invaded surface of the sensitive sole and excision of the 

 vegetations. The parts are then dressed with antiseptics, astringents, 

 or caustics, care being taken, however, not to destroy the dermis and 

 subjacent tissues. 



In these forms of dermatitis it is also well to administer some pre- 

 paration of arsenic. The drug is given for periods of a fortnight, 

 treatment remitted for a week and again continued. In this way 

 arsenic may be employed for long periods. 



