102 TitS DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



the scaling process is completed, usually in two or three 

 weeks. There is little itching and rarely any noticeable 

 constitutional disturbance. The disease is thought to be 

 caused by nerve paralysis. It is probably not contagious. 



Remedy. — Alkaline wash, after which rub in vaselin. 

 Boro-glycerine with a drop of hydrocyanic acid for itch- 

 ing. Half doses of physic or salines remove the gastric 

 derangement on which most cases depend. In foals see 

 to the health of the mother and state of milk. 



The spreading variety, persisting often for weeks, prob- 



Fig. 39. Vesicles funning. Fig. 40. Appearance after Vesicles 



have burst or evaporated. 



ably caused by a parasite, is treated by dilute solution of 

 iodine or other antiseptic. Pustular variety treated by 

 half doses of physic, dressed with zinc oxide or boric 

 acid. Itching abated by menthol. Growth of hair pro- 

 moted by mild cantharides or other stimulant. 

 For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 



ECTHYMA (Boil-Like Eruptions), 



Is peculiar to American horses. It affects the deep 

 layers of the skin, appearing mostly over the back and 

 quarters where the harness rubs. The pustules, which 

 have firm but much inflamed bases, mature in about a 

 week, are moderately large, round, distinct, separate, and 

 have well-marked points. The disease, which differs from 

 true boil in that it does not have a core, is distinctively 

 pustular, but some of the eruptions may at first discharge 



