310 MANL^AL OF MODERN f-ARRIERY. 



hair is easily plucked out, will at once determine if this is 

 the cause of itching ; and it is always attended with a 

 peculiar scurfiness of the skin, very different from that 

 redness which is caused by an injury to the skin. But 

 whenever there is any uncertainty respecting the complaint, 

 the safest thing is to guard against its occurrence by taking 

 a little blood, giving a purgative, and an alterative or 

 two. It is quite possible for inflammation of the skin to 

 merge into mange, unless guarded against. 



WAHTS. 



These are excrescent tumours of various sizes which 

 spring from the cuticle, and afterwards are based in the 

 true skin. They infect various parts of the body, and 

 sometimes are found in the prepuce and eyelids, or inside of 

 the ears. These can only be removed by an operation, and 

 that safely and effectually done by a practical veterinary 

 surgeon. If the roots be very small, which is sometimes 

 the case, they may be cut out close to the skin by a pair of 

 small sharp-pointed scissors, and the part afterwards touched 

 with caustic. If the stem of the wart be thick, it will not 

 be prudent to cut it off, but a thread of fine waxed silk 

 may be tied round it, and tightened every day until it 

 drops off. Sometimes warts are in considerable clusters. 

 When this is the case, it will be necessary to cut them off' 

 close to the skin, and afterwards sear the place with a red- 

 hot iron, which will prevent them from growing again. If 

 the horse is of a spirited nature, it will be necessary to cast 

 him, to prevent kicking during the operation. 



