SOME SKIN AFFECTIONS 215 



ceases through their existence, the trouble comes to an 

 end. This is indicated by the moisture of the skin drying 

 up and the animal ceases to itch or rub the leg or legs. 

 A common symptom of parasitical grease or mange is that 

 of stamping the feet, especially the hind ones, violently ; 

 itching the leg with the opposite foot and the presence of 

 blood and scars above and round about the fetlock. 

 (See Mange.) 



Nettle-Rash (Urticaria) 



Nettle-rash is quite a common affection and affects all 

 classes of horses, but particularly those which are very 

 fat and fed upon food which is much too stimulating. It 

 is often spoken of under the title of " Surfeit," more 

 especially by some of the older writers of works upon the 

 horse. It is a functional disturbance, apparently inti- 

 mately associated \vith some derangement of the digestive 

 organs, possible the kidneys, liver, etc. It is a trouble 

 which makes its appearance very suddenly in the form of 

 numerous weals or elevated patches of skin upon various 

 parts of the body, more especially the neck, back and 

 thigh. The patches commonly disappear as quickly as 

 they come, but they sometimes persist for several days or 

 more. The weals vary in size from a shilhng up to a crown 

 or larger, and one may fuse with another to form variously- 

 sized elevations. The skin seldom breaks. Treatment 

 comiprises a dose of physic or a little Epsom salts in the 

 drinking water daily. A tablespoonful once a day will 

 be sufficient. All corn should be withheld and green 

 food, if accessible, given. To allay the irritation, vinegar 

 and water can be applied to the skin several times a day. 

 It is a good plan to turn the animal out to graze if the 

 season permits, but for the time being a non-stimulating 

 forage should be given. 



