ERYTHEMA. 743 



In the milder cases such simple agents as a solution of 

 bicarbonate of potash and glycerine, or glycerine with rose- 

 water, for local application, together with simple salines, as 

 magnesium sulphate, given in the drinking-water, will be all 

 that is required. When the intertrigo is severe and irritation 

 great, a solution of tannic acid with glycerine, or an ointment 

 of tannic acid and opium, will give relief ; or the parts may be 

 painted with a weak solution of nitrate of silver. 



In the extensively distributed and well-marked forms of 

 exudative erythema, so common on the limbs of hunters, 

 more attention will be required; and much time will elapse 

 ere the epidermic scales are shed, and the hair, which has 

 been killed, is renewed. Unless in exceptional cases, when 

 inconvenience from the exudation is considerable, moisture 

 should be kept away from the parts, the skin of which may 

 be kept soft by a daily use of some glycerine mixture, a little 

 oxide of zinc or calamine ointment, or a light application of 

 vaseline. A very useful liniment may be made with soft 

 soap, one part ; glycerine, two parts ; water, four parts. When 

 the use of this is needful for some length of time, the parts to 

 which it is applied should be sponged or washed occasionally, 

 and the liniment re-applied. Along with this a moderate 

 dose of laxative medicine will be needful, and the after and 

 occasional exhibition of saline diuretics ; if the animal is weak, 

 or in poor condition, it is probable that tonics will be required, 

 as tincture of gentian, or cinchona with a little mineral acid. 



As a means of preventing the occurrence of this troublesome 

 condition, I would advise that the hair be not removed from 

 the limbs ; and when much washing is required to remove 

 the dirt, that, previous to being perfectly dried, a little glycerine 

 and water — equal proportions of each — be rubbed over the heels 

 and those parts of the skin most likely to suffer. 



Leaving the mud on the legs of hard-wrought horses until 

 perfectly dry, when it may be brushed off, is by many con- 

 sidered the most effectual method of guarding against this 

 erythematous inflammation ; as, however, this is not altogether 

 free from objections, the other seems equally applicable, and 

 certainly in most cases efficacious. 



