DISEASES OF THE SKI^. 159 



The horse is often languid and moderately feverish. In 

 a few cases the bowels and kidneys are affected. When 

 the patches appear around the eyes and throat they dis- 

 figure the horse and threaten serious results. 



The disease usually appears in the spring, and is usu- 

 ally caused by high feeding and little work. Percivall 

 says the eruptions may attack the air passages. 



Remedy. — Wash: Bichloride of mercury, 12 grains; 

 dilute hydrocyanic acid, 4 drams; glycerine or almond 

 mixture, 2 ounces; water, 10 ounces. A laxative and 

 attention to diet. Salines, antiseptics, and tonics are ser- 

 viceable in debilitated subjects. 



For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 



LICHEN (Pimples) AND PRURIGO (Itching), 



Are described by Robertson as different forms of skin 

 papulation (pimples). Both are chronic rather than acute. 

 In lichen the pimples are relatively larger in the horse 

 than in man. By abrasion there may be much exudation 

 and crusting in both lichen and prurigo. In lichen the 

 pimples do not suppurate, but they shed bran-like scales. 

 In prurigo they are more varied in size and are further 

 apart. The skin is hard, dry, and wrinkled. There are 

 collections of pus beneath the crusts, great shedding of 

 scales, itching, and sometimes swelling of the lymphatic 

 glands, with constitutional disturbance. Parasites are 

 sometimes present. 



The causes of these diseases seem to be more general 

 or constitutional than local. Malassimilation and defec- 

 tive nutrition seem to be important factors. Heredity is 

 probable. 



Remedy. — If the animal is weak, good food, fresh air, 

 tonics. If strong, gentle purge, moderate but daily doses 

 of salines, such as sulphate of soda or magnesia. For 

 severe itching 2 or 3 applications of the following mix- 

 ture : Nitrate of silver, 2 grains; cyanide of potassium, 3 



