THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 305 



disease ; and so far from being considered as one of their pecu- 

 liar features, we ought to look upon them as simulating those 

 affections to which they in truth belong, and which they stand in 

 the place of. 



" This disease in no way interferes w T ith the integrity of the 

 general functions. Apart from the violent excitement the ani- 

 mal may experience, and the consecutive irregularity of his 

 respiration and circulation it may occasion, he presents all the 

 aspect of the most perfect health. "When, however, the disease 

 becomes of long duration, the subject of it will be apt to fall off 

 his appetite, to grow thin, and to lose his condition for work 

 from the gradual wasting of his powers. Indeed, there occur 

 cases in which this privation of rest (from continual excitement) 

 brings on complete marasm,* and such inability for work, that the 

 proprietor feels himself compelled to get rid of his horse at any 

 price. 



" Such is the nature of this singular affection, whose most 

 striking characters are, the suddenness of its appearance and the 

 rapidity with which it spreads over the entire surface of the 

 skin, leaving every where uniform marks, vestiges of its presence, 

 viz., depilation in circular patches of the skin, and a terrible 

 sense of itchiness, without intermission and with evening ex- 

 acerbation." f 



In order to destroy the vermin, and at the same time to cure 

 the cutaneous eruptions, and restore the hair, take 



Linseed oil, 1 ounce, 



Pyroligneous acid, 4 ounces, 



Spirits of turpentine, 1 ounce. 



Two or three daily applications of this compound will generally 

 suffice. The parts to which the application has been made must 

 be washed with soap and water. The vermin can also be de- 

 stroyed by sponging the body with an infusion of lobelia. 



RAT'S TAIL. 



Rat's tail is a name given to a narrow streak of denuded hair 

 which occasionally appears on the upper part of a horse's tail. 



* Emaciation. f Increase in violence of symptoms. 



26* 



