Symptoms. 851 



anthemas, inflammations of the skin of the fetlock, which may correspond to ery- 

 sipelatous, phlegmonous, or necrotic inflammations of the skin (Eichter). Eczema 

 itself, may, moreover, pass into these severe inflammations under the influence of 

 mechanical factors. Eichter asserts quite justly, therefore, that the unscientific 

 collective name of ' ' Mauke ' ' should be dropped and the respective skin disease 

 named according to its nature. 



Eczema of the hencl of the carpal and tarsal joints 

 (Raspe) corresponds more to the previously described chronic 

 eczema, and more frequently runs its course without complica- 

 tions ; after the acute stage it assumes a scaly character, and 

 acute attacks may subsequently arise in the neighborhood. 



Acute eczema of the extremities, of the loiver part of- the 

 chest, of the lower helly, and of the inguinal region arises 

 through the influence of soaking and cold in horses after long 

 continued work on muddy roads in cold, wet weather. On the 

 skin of these parts which are splashed with the mud of the 

 street, and especially on the inside of the extremities, an in- 

 flammation arises which bears the characteristics of acute 

 eczema, and not infrequently edematous swellings may be no- 

 ticed. As a result of the free exudation, scales and scabs form 

 which mat the hair and later both fall off together. The changes 

 disappear later on of their own accord. 



Chronic scurf p eczema of the long haired parts of the body 

 (socalled scurfiness of the mane and tail, plica polonica) de- 

 velops on the upper part of the mane (socalled scurfy neck), 

 also on the tail, and especially at the root of the tail (scurfy 

 tail), rarely also on the head (socalled scurfy head and lips). 

 Sweat and dirt predispose to its development, also gnawing and 

 rubbing of the spots, caused by the itching; likewise, the fatty 

 nature of these places and the thick layer of fat under the skin 

 of the neck. Moreover, repeated washing with soap or frequent 

 Avetting promotes the occurrence of the disease by softening the 

 horny layer of the skin. 



The initial stage of the disease usually remains unnoticed 

 since it affects badly cared for horses, and the skin is covered 

 wdth long hair. Attention is first called to it when the animals 

 become restless in consequence of the intense itching, and the 

 hair begins to fall out. The hair of the mane becomes matted 

 into a plait-like knot which can hardly be unraveled (Weichsel- 

 zopf, plica polonica) from the accumulated dirt and secretion. 

 After removal of the thick layer of dirt, Avliich is usually only 

 possible after clipping the hair, the greatly thickened skin which 

 forms thick transverse wrinkles is brought to view, its moist 

 and raw surface being covered with a smeary, sticky, fatty, ill- 

 smelling mass composed of pus, epidermal detritus and dirt. 

 At the tail the signs of acute inflammation, and especially the 

 formation of pus are less in evidence, but the thickened skin is 

 covered with dry scabs under which the skin shows the charac- 

 teristics of eczema rubrum madidans, or on its surface only 

 small dry scabs are found in place of crusts. 



In some cases painful pustules arise in consequence of puni- 



