84 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



state. If the pain or irritation of the heels is very con- 

 siderable, cataplasms' of linseed meal, boiled turnips, etc., 

 will be found very useful, allaying irritation, soothing, and 

 softening the part, and tending generally to bring about a 

 healthy state of the parts. The ordinary white lotion is 

 also of great benefit, and may be applied of increased or 

 reduced strength, according as judgment dictates. A solu- 

 tion of acid carbol. in water, one to sixteen, or forty, as the 

 case demands, is very useful. Astringent lotions have a 

 ^ood effect, if not applied too long. Cupri sulph. may be 

 -ised in solution ; as may zinci sulphas, plumbi acet., etc. 

 The legs are to be bathed in tepid water, without the use of 

 soap, after which they are to be thoroughly dried in a gentle 

 manner, and glycerine applied to prevent hardening of the 

 parts. A case of cracked heels is, in fact, to be treated 

 exactly as yon would treat a chafe on your hand or finger ; 

 it is not necessary to wash the heels every day. Occasion- 

 ally a case is met with where the disease has taken on an 

 indolent character. In such a case it is necessary to stimu- 

 late the parts : use acid carbol., one to twelve, or sixteen, 

 poultices, etc. A useful lotion is as follows : acid, carbol. 

 5ss., spts. vini recti, ^i,, aqua destil. O.i. Potassoe iodid. may 

 be given. When the animal is going out apply glycerine ; 

 on his coming in apply a poultice. Lotions are preferable 

 to ointments. When irritation ceases, exercise gently. 



MUD FEVER. 



This condition consists of a superficial or erythematous 

 inflammation of the skin, in the region of the hock behind, 

 and the knees in front, and has received the name of mud 

 fever because it occurs usually as a result of irritation caused 

 by allowing mud and slush to accumulate on the legs. 



Causes. — Mud fever may result from any of the causes 

 which operate in the production of cracked heels, and which 



