THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 295 



free from lameness, which, together with oedema, again returns 

 after standing a few hours in the stable. If the disease is at this 

 stage promptly met with skill in the application of suitable medi- 

 cinal agents, it generally yields ; but if neglected, it is very apt to 

 assume the form of a pustular eruption, and, subsequently, gran- 

 ulating excrescences. 



During the year 1852, a mild form of grease, usually de- 

 nominated scratches, has been unusually prevalent in the New 

 England States ; the subjects of which disease, in a great major- 

 ity of cases, were in a state of plethora. In short, there was an 

 evident disproportion between the daily allowance of food and 

 the amount of labor performed, or, in other words, an unequal 

 proportion between the oxygen respired and the amount of carbon 

 (in the form of food) taken into the system at any given time. 



Some of these cases yielded very readily to local treatment, 

 while others required active general treatment — a purification 

 of the fluids and a restoration of the healthy secretions. 



The disease, after having passed the primary stage, as just 

 alluded to, assumes a more malignant character. Granulated 

 excrescences and an offensive discharge appear. Sainbel com- 

 pares such granulations to the " outward coat of a pineapple ; " 

 and some call them grapes. The disease at this stage affects the 

 general health, more or less ; and the patient has sympathetic 

 fever ; the appetite is impaired, and other functions, in a certain 

 extent, are perverted. Cases of a very malignant character are 

 recorded by veterinary writers; but the disease is so readily 

 recognized, even by the merest tyro in veterinary matters, that 

 the writer deems it unnecessary to extend these remarks further 

 than to advise those who wish to perfect themselves in this pecu- 

 liar branch to consult the works of Mr. Percivall. 



Treatment. — This will depend somewhat on the stage and in- 

 tensity of the malady, and the state of the patient's health. It is 

 worthy of remark, however, that a great change for the better 

 has taken place during the past twenty-five years. Among those 

 who have been foremost, both by their influence and daily prac- 

 tice, in producing so favorable results, stands the name of Mr. 

 Percivall. In the early period of the history of our art, notwith- 

 standing popular prejudice favored the ancient barbarous methods 



