238 THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



condition. Bathe the heels with lukewarm water and a little 

 castile soap, night -and morning, wipe dry with a soft cloth 

 and apply the white lotion. Before taking him out to work 

 rub the heels with vaseline or lard to keep them soft and pro- 

 tect them from the dirt and water. If the heels are very sore 

 and swollen apply a hot poultice of half linseed and half bran 

 every night for a while until the natural condition is restored. 



2. Mud Fever. 



This is an inflammation of the skin of the legs and the 

 under part of the belly. 



Causes. — Mud fever is the result of conditions such as 

 those that give rise to scratches, being met with mostly in 

 the spring and fall, during wet, slushy weather. The muddy 

 water splashes over the legs and belly and, not being washed 

 off, soon causes an inflammation of the skin of these parts. 

 Sometimes the neglect to properly rub dry after washing 

 with cold water will cause it. 



Symptoms. — The legs are swollen and stiff, the skin is 

 hot and tender, and the hair falls off in patches. 



Treatment. — Give the same medicine internally as that 

 recommended for scratches to cool and cleanse the blood. If 

 the legs are dirty bathe them with lukewarm water and a 

 little castile soap and dry them with a soft cloth. One bathing 

 is all that is necessary; simply brush off with a soft brush 

 and apply the white lotion twice a day, which is soothing and 

 healing to the skin. Keep the animal out of the wet and mud 

 as much as possible. If working him is necessary, each time 

 before taking him out, rub the parts affected with vaseline or 

 lard, which softens and protects the affected skin. 



3. Grease. 



Causes. — This disease generally follows a neglected case 

 of scratches. It affects the glands of the legs, as well as the 

 skin, and is more common in heavy, hairy^egged horses that 

 have round, fleshy legs. It may be caused from bad blood 

 and swollen legs, and is more frequently met with in the hind 

 legs. It is also brought on by clipping horses' legs in cold, 

 wet weather. 



Symptoms. — There is a thickening and swelling of the 

 legs which become hot and tender and upon which the hair 

 stands out instead of lying clown flat as under ordinary con- 



