DISEASES OF THE SKIN". 287 



constitutional disturbance. I do not believe that it can be pro- 

 duced bj the aiDplication of irritants, as is generally supposed. 



Symptoms. — It usually comes on suddenly, and is manifested 

 by itchiness, which causes the animal to rub and bite itself until 

 the hair and cuticle are brought off, leaving the skin red, raw, 

 and inflamed. Excessive crops of vesicles develop themselves, 

 dry on the sore skin, or discharge a fluid which seems to cause a 

 distention of the disorder. 



Treatment. — Both local and constitutional remedies must be 

 employed in the treatment of this disease, and it is difficult to 

 treat. Six drachms of aloes should be given and followed by 

 potassium nitrate, one-half ounce; sweet spirits nitre, one ounce. 

 This must be given in a drench ; two or three doses may be given. 

 The animal should be dieted. Use the zinc lead and acid lotion. 

 Acid hydro-cyanic, a half ounce; aqua, eight ounces, may be used 

 locally to the parts. Arsenite of potash should be given, and is 

 to be prepared as follows: Acid arsenious, one drachm; potas- 

 sium carbonate, one drachm; aqua, twelve drachms; mix and boil 

 slowly until the arsenic is dissolved, and strain when cold. Each 

 ounce of the solution contains five grains of arsenic. The dose is 

 from a half ounce to an ounce of the liquor. Fowler's solution 

 of arsenic may be tried. Acid carbolic, one to sixteen, is a good 

 local remedy. The local treatment should be frequently changed. 

 A very good lotion consists of corrosive sublimate, two drachms; 

 spirits of wine, four ounces; aqua, one pint. 



MAILENDERS. 



This is an eczematous condition, and occurs in the flexures of 

 the knee-joints, causing a scurfiness and dryness of the part. It 

 occurs more frequently among heavy horses, and in stallions more 

 frequently than mares or geldings. 



Cause. — Sluggish circnlation, irregular exercise, stimulating 

 food, or from the effects of a vesicant. 



Symptoms. — Eedness and a discharge of serous character takes 

 place. Cracks appear, and the case may take on a chronic form. 



