BODY OF THE HORSE, ITS EXTERNAL ACCIDENTS AND DISEASES. 389 



XXVn. Itchy Skin. 



This is scientifically known as prurigo. It is an itchy condition of the 

 skin all over the bod}^ which some- 

 times makes the horse almost frantic, 

 rubbing, scratching and biting himself 

 continually. 



Causes. — It is one form of surfeit 

 when not due to mange or hen lice, 

 and is caused by a heated, surfeited 

 condition of the body, which mani- 

 fests itself in this manner. 



What to do. — Give the horse a pur- 

 gative. No. 23, and when he has fin- showing signs of prurigo. 

 ished purging, give a tablespoonf ul of the followiug, in bran mashes morn- 

 ing and night. 



No. 37. 4 Ounces Epsom salts, 



2 Ounces nitrate of potash 

 4 Ounces hn^ed meal, 

 Mix. 



Wash him all over with soap and water, and when dry, sponge him over 

 with vinegar. If practicable, give green food for a month. 

 XXVni. Melanosis. 



This, although a constitutional disease, is only seen to be recognized 

 during life, on the surface of the body, therefore it will be described 

 in this chapter. 



PREDISPOSED TO MELANOSIS. 

 Color and class of horses usually affected with melanosis. 



Melanosis is considered to be a species of cancer. It is a black tumor 

 forming on any part of the body — in the lungs, liver, muscular and 

 areolar or connective tissue. It is, in the latter, immediately under the 



