DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 231 



mostly affects the capillary blood vessels of the skin, but in 

 some cases affects the lining of the lungs and air passages. 



Causes. — It is generally an after effect of some other 

 disease, such as influenza, distemper or some other weaken- 

 ing ailment. Horses that are overworked, thin and run down 

 in condition are more liable to be attacked by it, especially if 

 neglected, turned out at night or allowed to remain exposed 

 to unfavorable weather conditions. A chill as a result of 

 such exposure is a good foundation for button farcy. It 

 makes its appearance more frequently in the spring and fall. 



Symptoms. — The blood is very thin, almost like water. 

 Direct symptoms often appear very suddenly. A horse may 

 be apparently in his usual health when left for the night, but 



Fig. 26. — Button Farcy (Purpura Hemorrhagica). 



found in the morning literally covered with patches of swell- 

 ing. Some parts of the skin may be affected more than 

 others. We have attended cases where the eyelids were so 

 swollen that to see was impossible, where the lips were 

 swollen to such an extent that it was impossible to eat, and 

 where the swelling extended to the sheath and legs. Small 

 spots appear all over the skin, especially upon the sides of 



