CHAPTER XVI. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



1. Cracked Heels (Scratches). 



This disease is common among horses, and affects the 

 heels, those of the hind legs being oftener affected than those 

 of the front. 



Causes. — Anything that irritates the skin tends to pro- 

 duce this disease. Wet and 

 muddy roads in the fall and 

 spring, washing and not prop- 

 erly drying the legs, standing in 

 badly kept stables, or wearing 

 boots on the legs will cause it. 

 Heavy, hairy-legged horses are 

 more subject to it than light 

 horses. 



Symptoms. — The affected legs 

 have a tendency to swell and 

 are stiff and sore about the 

 heels. The skin becomes cracked 

 and scaly-looking at the back of 

 the heels, and in some cases, 

 when being driven the heels 

 bleed. 



Treatment. — Commences by 

 feeding soft food and giving 

 physic consisting of: 



Bitter Aloes 8 drams. 



Ginger 1 tablespoonful. 



Bicarbonate of Soda 1 tablespoonful. 



Dissolve in a pint of lukewarm water and give as a 

 drench, allowing the animal to remain in the stable the next 

 day. After this give the following powder: 



Nitrate of Potash or Saltpetre J4 pound 



Sulphur y A pound 



Mix thoroughly and give a teaspoonful twice a day in 



the feed. This will cool the blood and improve the general 



Fig 28. — Scratches, Qracked Heel. 



