304 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



Tnev differ material^ in their effects, as some are attended 

 with much itching, and others seem to give the animal no 

 uneasiness whatever. Instances occur in which they dis- 

 appear as suddenly as they came. When they do remain, 

 in a few days the epidermis peels off, leaving a small scale- 

 like spot, which is rarely a sore. In some instances these 

 lumps are confined to the neck ; but more frequently they 

 extend over the back, loins, and quarters. 



Cause. — The true cause of this cutaneous disease is not 

 known, although it has been called surfeit, from a supposed 

 resemblance to those eruptions in the skin of the human 

 being which follow unwholesome or indigestible food. This 

 complaint, however, most frequently exists after or during 

 the time the horse is shedding his hair, and at Avhich period 

 there exists a stronger tendency to stomach-affections, and 

 consequently indigestion has been supposed to affect the 

 skin in the manner described. Poisonous substances taken 

 into the stomach, such as herbs and mow-burnt hay, the 

 chemical qualities, in the latter case, having changed its 

 properties, have been known to cause this eruption. Drink- 

 ing cold water in immoderate quantity, as well as improper 

 exposure to cold air when the animal was over-heated, have 

 been known to induce affections of this kind. There can 

 be little doubt but it is caused by some obstruction of the 

 pores of the skin, which produces swellings around them, 

 and depending upon a primary affection of the cuticle, or 

 from a sympathy with the digestive organs. 



Remedies. — The first thing to be adopted for the relief of 

 this disease is bleeding The extent of the complaint and 

 the strength of the animal, and degree of fever, must 

 regulate the quantity, which may be from three to five 

 quarts. The following alterative must then be admi- 

 nistered : — 



