CHAPTER XLIII 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND BLOOD 



^ I ^HE condition of the horse's blood Is revealed by his 

 skin, and the condition of the skin, in turn, is dis- 

 closed by the hair. If the horse is out of health, espe- 

 cially if he has worms, his coat will look rough — will 

 " stare," to use the technical expression. Any Irritation 

 of the skin will produce the same effect. If the horse 

 Is chilled, or if he stands in a burning sun, his hair will 

 point upward. 



On the other hand. If the horse Is healthy, clean, and 

 comfortable, his hair will lie close to the skin, and will 

 present that beautiful, sleek, and shining appearance 

 which corresponds to the complexion of a human being 

 in exuberant health. 



SCRATCHES 



Scratches are usually caused by the heels and pas- 

 terns becoming wet, and being allowed to remain wet, 

 so that the parts are chilled. Scratches are especially 

 prevalent when the roads are muddy, as in early spring, 

 and still more when the horse has to travel through 

 slush or melting snow. In perfectly dry weather, even 

 in summer, scratches often follow the clipping of the 

 hair around the pastern. This should never be done, 

 except to shorten the hair when It Is excessively long. 



The condition of the horse has much to do with this 



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