DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 239 



ditions. There is an oily and sometimes offensive smelling 

 discharge from around the heels, thus giving rise to the 

 name, grease. During exercise or work the swelling dis- 

 appears, only to reappear as soon as allowed to stand idle. 



Figs. 29 and 30. — Grease. 



Treatment. — Treatment of grease should have the same 

 object in view as that of scratches or mud fever, namely, the 

 purifying and clearing up of the blood. Although it is diffi- 

 cult to make a complete cure the condition may be greatly 

 improved by physic drench and powders as mentioned in the 

 previous sections. Give attention to the diet, which should 

 be soft and nutritious. Bathe the legs twice a day with warm 

 water and castile soap, rub dry and apply the white lotion, 

 to which a few drops of carbolic acid may be added to coun- 

 teract the offensive odor. Poultice the legs every night with 

 hot bran and linseed meal to soothe them and promote the 

 discharge. This treatment will fix the legs up in good shape 

 for some time. Should the treatment of grease be neglected 

 and allowed to develop sufficiently to reach the "grapous" 

 stage as illustrated in fig. 30, small red growths appear about 



