144 THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 



edges of the wound bear an unhealthy appearance, a 

 Uttle burnt alum must be used. 



When the disease has increased with great rapidity, 

 and extended under the belly, bleeding is necessary , 

 and then proceed as before directed. 



GREASE 



is an inflammation of the lower extremity of the legs, 

 and is generally found in the hollow or the back part 

 of the fetlock-joint ; sometimes of the fore, but oftener 

 of the hind-feet. 



It generally arises from bad stable-management, and 

 though not contagious, will on that account often go 

 through the stable where it has once commenced. The 

 farmer's horse is much less exposed to the attack 

 of this disease than are any others ; this arises from 

 his Hving much more in the open air, and feeling less 

 the sudden and extreme changes of temperature. 



The skin of the heel differs considerably from that 

 in other parts ; the fetlock is subject to very great mo- 

 tion, consequently the skin is very soft and elastic, and 

 has a greasy feel. When inflammation takes place 

 here, the heels become dry and scurfy, owing to a se- 

 cretion of the greasy matter ; cracks are first formed, 

 and from the incessant motion to which the fetlock is 

 subjected, the heel soon takes on an ulcerated appear- 

 ance, and discharges an oily fluid of an oflensive nature 

 similar to tliat in canker and thrush, and that is termed 

 grease. 



Causes.— All horses disposed to have swelled lej^s 



