122 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



skin of the penis peels off in flakes. Sometimes the dis- 

 ease consists of small, circumscribed, red patches. These 

 are succeeded by or converted into little bladders, which, 

 bursting, leave chancre-like ulcers. When the disease 

 spreads to the urethra, it causes a communicable discharge 

 from it. (D'Arboval.) 



The mare, usually in eight or nine days, exhibits uter- 

 ine excitement resembling exaggerated sexual heat. The 

 vulva becomes swollen ; the mucous membrane of the 

 vulva and vagina is reddened; there is a white, yellow, 

 grayish, or reddish vaginal discharge, at first of a watery 

 nature, Which soon increases, becoming thicker, sticky, 

 and viscid, collecting about and soiling the tail and pe- 

 rinasum. (W. L. Williams.) 



Dr. Williams, whose experience is confined to the Illi- 

 nois outbreak, calls the disease i Equine Syphilis/ It is 

 very insidious at first in the stallion, and is besides very 

 deceptive — appearing to be cured when it is not. Of its 

 many bad effects, the worst perhaps is paralysis of the 

 hind quarters. 



According to most authorities there is a benign form 

 of the disease. M. Eodloff says that the benign and ma- 

 lignant forms are distinct diseases, and that the former 

 never appears with the latter except by accident. 



Remedy. — Mucilaginous and anodyne vaginal injections 

 allay irritation in the mare in the early stages. Follow 

 with astringent injections of zinc or copper sulphates or 

 silver nitrate. Treat male with similar astringents. Cast. 

 The blood being very deficient in fibrin, French veterin- 

 arians prescribe bouillon of ox blood and horse flesh. 

 Crashed oats and beans should also be serviceable. (Dun.) 



For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 



Many months often elapse before cure is effected. In 

 Prussia stallions are not allowed to be used tiU three 

 years after recovery. 



