THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 31 



in horses that have been well fed, and it occasionally occurs in 

 dogs that eat a large quantity of animal food. It probably origi- 

 nates more frequently from deranged digestive organs than from 

 any other cause : uncleanliness, without doubt, may give rise to 

 it, but it occurs in dogs that have the very best care and attention 

 as regards cleanliness. In fact, the author is so well satisfied of 

 its digestive origin that he never attempts to cure it without con- 

 stitutional, as well as local, treatment. 



Treatment. — Before making any application to the skin, let the 

 animal be sponged all over the body with lime water ; after the 

 skin becomes dry, anoint it, by means of a sponge, with 



Pyroligneous acid, 4 ounces, 



Spirits turpentine, 1 ounce, 



Linseed oil, 3 ounces, 



Sulphur, 1 ounce. 



Mix. To be well shaken when used. 



Medicine. — Take sulphur, cream of tartar, sassafras, and pow- 

 dered mandrake, of each two ounces ; rub them together in a 

 mortar. Divide the mass into twelve parts, and give one night 

 and morning in the fodder. It is necessary also to make some 

 change in the diet, and by all means avoid musty grain and 

 ground meal, while treating the disease. 



CRACKED HEELS. 



This is a very common affection among horses in this country, 

 and is often attended with considerable lameness. It may be con- 

 sidered in the light of local plethora, or congestion of the capil- 

 laries. If they have existed any length of time, an offensive 

 discharge sets up, and the surrounding skin becomes tender, and 

 the limb tumefied ; sympathetic fever then sets in ; the animal 

 loses his appetite, and falls off in flesh. Cracked heels may be 

 treated on the same general principles as recommended under 

 article Grease or Scratches ; which see. It is necessary at times, 

 in order to keep the edges of the crack in contact, to apply a soft 

 pad wetted with Turlington's balsam, and encircle the parts with 

 a narrow roller. To relieve pain, apply a tent moistened with 

 bulphuric ether. 



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