240 THE HORSE 



with a small quantity of sulpho-napthol added to the 

 water. This is the poultice now in universal use by 

 the best veterinary surgeons. They have discarded as 

 being too strong and irritating the other materials, such 

 as linseed meal, formerly used for this purpose. 



If the horse that has scratches is over-fat or under- 

 exercised, it will be well to give him frequent bran 

 mashes, and also epsom or, perferably, glauber salts, 

 say a handful in his grain at night for three or four 

 days — or longer in an extreme case. 



ECZEMA 



A bad state of the blood, especially in horses not 

 receiving suflicient exercise, often shows itself in eczema 

 or skin disease. 



In light cases, a tablespoonful of sulphur given for 

 three nights, then omitted for three nights, and given 

 again for three more nights, will usually effect a cure. 

 The spots or blisters on the skin should be treated 

 with a mixture of sulphur and lard, or, in mild cases, 

 with a weak solution of vinegar and water. 



Eczema usually attacks horses that are too fat, but 

 sometimes it is caused by thinness of the blood. In 

 the latter case. Fowler's solution of arsenic is a rem- 

 edy. The dose should be a teaspoonful once a day 

 for a week; then twice a day for a week; then once 

 a day for a week; then stop for a week, and begin again 

 if necessary. (See page 234.) 



A blanketed horse that Is troubled with eczema 

 should wear a linen blanket next to his coat, to avoid 

 the irritation of a woolen blanket. Eczema is very 



