290 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



case of this description ; and one that will serve to show in 

 what the cure consisted. 



On the I9tli June, 1821, was placed under my father's care for treat- 

 ment, a chestnut mare that had suffered from malignant grease for upwards 

 of two years. The disease had arrived at its present height from neglect, 

 and occasional bad treatment. All the heels were studded with pro- 

 minent grapes, thinly clad with bristled hairs, through which their bare 

 surfaces appeared intensely reddened, and were issuing blood. In places 

 where there were no grapes the skin exhibits an elephantiasical aspect. 

 The ulcerated grapes extend several inches above the fetlock ; but they 

 were all at the posterior of the legs. An offensive matter issues from the 

 surface, which lodges in the crevices. On the afternoon, my father sub- 

 mitted the animal to the following operation : Having properly secured 

 it, he commenced with a sharp scalpel paring off the grapes to the level 

 of the skin. He had heated irons near him to stanch the hemorrhage as 

 he proceeded ; which, owing to the vascularity, was very considerable. 

 All the larger grapes having been removed, the diseased surface was lightly 

 seared, the mare returned to the stable, and the heels dressed with 

 the following liniment, spread upon pledgets of tow : 



Take of Powdered Blue Vitriol, 5j ; 

 Powdered Alum, ^iv ; 

 Linseed Oil, ibij. Mix. 



24th. — The diseased parts were covered with sloughs; which being 

 wiped off, the surface presented a highly vascular appearance, and dis- 

 closed many smaller grapes. The mare was again cast, and the legs were, 

 by the knife and cautery, deprived of many grapes, which before were 

 concealed. The parts were afterwards 'dressed as on the first occasion; 

 and some of the unguent, ferri acetatis was applied to the frogs, in which 

 thrushes had made their appearance. 



27th. — Since the 24th some little fever has been hanging about the 

 animal ; it has evidently suffered from pain ; and the appetite has been 

 impaired. Walked out, and was dressed as before. 



30th. — A pretty free raw surface now presented itself The legs were 

 simply smeared over with the ointment, and the mare was afterwards 

 turned into a grass paddock. 



July 4th. — An ichorous discharge, which is not very offensive, issues 

 from the ulcerated surfaces. Ointment repeated. 



9th. — The surface looking florid and healthy. What grapes remained 

 were to-day touched, by means of a feather, with nitric acid. The sur- 

 face was washed with solution of sulphate of copper 5J to ^j of water. 



