DISEASKS OK THK SKIN. 471 



l)econie covered at the edges or throughout hj'^ firm incrustations r«}- 

 snltiug from the (h'ving of the liiiuids thiown out, and the skin l)e- 

 coujos increasingly thick and rigid. A siniihir condition occurs 

 hehind the knee and in front of the hock (mahinders and salanders), 

 jind nuiy extend from those jjoints to the hoof, virtually incasing that 

 sitle of the limb in a permanent incrusting sheath. 



Causes. — Besides a heavy lymphatic constitution, which predisposes 

 to this affection, the causes are overfeeding on gruin, unwholesome 

 iodder, close, hot, dirty stahles, constant contact with dung and urine 

 and their emanations, working in deep, irritant mud; above all, in 

 limestone districts, irritation by dry limestones or sandy dust in dry 

 weather on dirt roads; also cold drafts, snow, and freezing mud, 

 washing the legs with caustic soap, wrapping the wet legs in thick 

 woolen bandages which soak the skin and render it sensitive when 

 exposed next day, clipping the heels, weak heart and circulation, 

 natural or supervening on overwork, imperfect nourishment, impure 

 air, lack of sunshine, chronic exhausting, or debilitating diseases, 

 or functional or structural diseases of the heart, liver, or kidneys. 

 These last induce dropsical swelling of the limbs (stocking), weaken 

 the parts, and induce cracking. Finally the cicatrix of a preexist- 

 ing crack, weak, rigid, and unyielding, is liable to reopen under any 

 severe exertion; hence rapid paces and heavy draft are active causes. 



Treatment. — In treatment the first step is to ascertain and remove 

 the cause whenever possible. If there is much local heat and inflam- 

 mation, a laxative (.) drams aloes or 1 pound (Uauber's salt) may be 

 given, and for the pam|)ered animal the grain should be reduced oi- 

 replaced altogether by bran mashes, flaxseed, and other laxative, non- 

 stimulating feed. In the debilitated, on the other hand, nutritious 

 food and bitter tonics may be given, and even a course of arsenic 

 (5 grains ai*senic with 1 dram bicarbonate of soda daily). "Wlien the 

 legs swell, exercise on dry roads, hand rul)bing, and evenly applied 

 bandages are good, and mild a.stringents, like extract of witch-hazel, 

 may be applied and the part subsequently rubbed dry and bandaged. 

 If there is much heat but unbroken .skin, a lotion of 2 drams sugar 

 of lead to 1 quart of water may be applied on a thin bandage, cov- 

 ered in cold weather with a dry one. The same may be used after 

 the cracks appear, or a solution of sulphurous acid 1 part, glycerin 

 1 part, and water 1 ])art, applied on cotton ami well covered by a 

 bandage. In ca.se these should prove unsuitable to the particular 

 ca.se, the j)art may In? smeaied with vaseline 1 ounce, sugar of lead 1 

 dram, and carbolic acid 10 drops. 



