DISEASES OF HORSES 181 



of a callosity. This may be superficial, involving only the skin, or 

 it may be deep-seated, involving the subcutaneous fibrous tissue and 

 sometimes the muscle and even the bone. This causes a dry slough 

 to form, which is both inconvenient and unsightly. Sloughs of this 

 kind are commonly called sitfasts and, while they occur in other 

 places, are most frequently found under the saddle. 



Treatment. Abrasions are best prevented by bringing the ani- 

 mal gradually into working shape after it has had a prolonged rest, 

 in order that the muscles will be hard and the skin tough. The har- 

 ness should be well fitted, neither too large nor too small, and it 

 should be cleaned and oiled to remove all dirt and to make it soft 

 and pliable. Saddles should be properly fitted so as to prevent direct 

 pressure on the spine, and the saddle blankets should be clean and 

 dry. Parts of the horse where chafing is likely to occur, as on the 

 back under the saddle, should be cleaned and brushed free of dirt. 



The remedies for simple harness galls are numerous. Among 

 them may be mentioned alcohol, 1 pint, in which are well shaken 

 the whites of two eggs ; sugar of lead or sulphate of zinc, 20 grains to 

 an ounce of water ; carbolic acid, 1 part in 15 parts of glycerin, and 

 so on almost without end. Any simple astringent wash or powder 

 will effect a cure, provided the sores are not irritated by friction. 



If a sitfast has developed, the dead hornlike slough must be 

 carefully dissected out and the wound treated carefully with anti- 

 septics. During treatment it is always best to allow the animal to 

 rest, but if this is inconvenient care should be taken to prevent in- 

 jury to the abraded or wounded surface by padding the harness so 

 that chafing can not occur. 



BURNS AND SCALDS. 



These wounds of domestic animals are fortunately of rare 

 occurrence; however, when they do occur, if at all extensive, they 

 prove quite troublesome and in many cases are fatal. According to 

 the severity of the burn we distinguish three degrees : First degree, 

 where there is a simple reddening of the skin ; second degree, where 

 there is a formation of vesicles, or blisters ; third degree, where there 

 is complete destruction of vitality of the tissues, sucn as would occur 

 in charring from direct contact with flames or from escaping steam. 

 Besides the burns caused by flames and steam, there are other causa- 

 tive agents, such as chemicals (caustic alkalis and acids), lightning 

 stroke, and occasionally the broken trolley wires of electric railways. 

 When a large surface of the skin is burned or scalded, the animal 

 will soon show signs of fever shivering, coldness of the extremities, 

 weakness, restlessness, quick and feeble pulse, and labored breathing. 

 No matter which agent is a factor in the production of burns, the 

 lesions are practically of the same nature. The extent and site of 

 the burn should lead one in the determination and course of treat- 

 ment. Burns of the shoulder and those about the region of the elbow 

 or other parts where there is much movement of the tissues are grave, 

 and, if at all extensive, treatment should not be attempted, but the 

 immediate destruction of the animal is advised. A burn of the third 

 degree, where there is a destruction of the vitality of large areas of 



