MUD FEVER, 85 



were mentioned when treating of that condition. Mud fever 

 is most common during the spring and autumn, when cold 

 water is used to wash the legs; frequently done by turning on 

 a jet of water from a hose— a thing that should never be done. 



Symptoms. — On examination a superficial inflammation of 

 the skin is discovered, in some cases extending up to the 

 shoulders. The pain is frequently quite severe, the hair 

 loses its connection to a certain extent, the irritation extends 

 to the subcutaneous tissues, often giving rise to considerable 

 swelling, and causing sloughing. In some cases where the 

 exciting cause is kept up, the pulse becomes quickened, and 

 a rise of temperature may often be noticed. The appetite is 

 frequently considerably impaired, and if the exciting cause 

 be kept up, the general system becomes very much aff'ected. 



Treatment. — Remove the exciting cause, place the animal 

 in a comfortable loose box, give a purgative and a febrifuge, 

 foment the limbs, but do not bandage. Astringent lotions 

 are very useful, the white lotion being as good as any, or a 

 weak carbolic acid lotion, or any of the lotions recommended 

 for cracked heels. If there is much irritation present, an 

 anodyne, as opii tr., may be added to any of the lotions 

 mentioned. In a very bad case an abscess may form, and 

 if it does, is to be treated in the same manner as an abscess 

 of any other part. The hair usually comes off, but nearly 

 always reappears. 



Prevention. — If a horse is out the greater part of the day 

 in the mud and slush, the rough portion of the mud should be 

 rubbed off" when he comes in. After he stands an hour or two, 

 rub the remainder off". This is the best mode of prevention. 



URTICARIA. 



This is an erythematous condition, characterized by 

 the appearance of small elastic eminences, varying in 

 size and shape, and which may be observed over the 



