DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



289 



GREASE 



Is a disease showing itself in connection with the heels of a horse. 

 It is of an eczematous nature, and is known as grease on account 

 of its peculiar oily or greasy discharge. There is a superficial in- 

 flammation, which extends and involves the hair follicles and 

 sebaceous glands. It is 

 seen principally in 

 heavy horses, and is 

 worse in some climates 

 than in others. The 

 causes of grease are 

 predisposing and excit- 

 ing. Heavy breeds are 

 predisposed, as well as 

 horses having flat feet 

 and large quantities of 

 hair on the limbs. The 

 exciting cause is wash- 

 ing too frequently 

 without drying. Crack- 

 ed heels often tenni- 

 nate in grease, and are 

 caused by the same in- 

 fluence which produces 

 grease. 



Fig. 77 — Grease, terminating in Elephantiasis. 



Symptoms. — Swelling, accompanied with a slight discharge. 

 Soon this discharge becomes of an oily character and the hair 

 comes out. On first coming out of the stable, the animal w^alks 

 very gingerly, but soon warms up and goes all right. When the 

 papilla becomes enlarged there is usually a very offensive odor 

 accompanying it. It is then known as the grapous stage. There 

 is generally well-marked fever present. Grease, if neglected, 



may terminate in elephantiasis. 

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