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66o. Simple Eczema, is- an inflammatory eruption of the skin, 

 Avhich often affects the horse, particularly in the spring and summer 

 months when at grass ; it is characterized by the formation all over 

 the body of miimte vesicles or bladders full of a thin fluid, accompanied 

 by itching and irritation, which causes the animal to rub itself against 

 anything it Comes in contact with. It is common in horses imported 

 from other countries, and somewhat resembles mange, but in this case, 

 there is no parasite present. Being very inoculative to other animals, 

 ail harness, clothing, saddles, brushes, &c., used on an affected animal 

 must be carefully washed m some disinfectant fluid. Although the 

 complaint is distinctly inflammatory, there is seldom any accompanying 

 constitutional disturbance, and the first thing to be noticed is that the 

 hair stands up on end in minute patches, which, on closer examination, 

 are found to denote the presence of small pustules, containing fluid. 

 These soon dry up, forming a scab, which, if brushed off, leaves a bare 

 place. If taken in time, washing the body with Little's phenyle, — one 

 part to eighty parts cold soft water, — every three or four days, and 

 giving tablespoonful doses of bi-carbonate of soda, every night and 

 morning, in a mash, has a very good effect. Chronic cases, however, 

 have to be dealt with by stronger treatment, such as arsenical prepara- 

 tions internally, and iodine applications externally. 



66i. Mallenders is of an eczematous nature, and regarded as a 

 sub-acute, or chronic inflammation of the skin at the back of the knee- 

 joint, with a thin, irritative, watery discharge, causing the hair to stick 

 out, and eventually fall off", leaving a scurfy thickening of the skin. It 

 is a complaint common in cart-horses, notably those that have thick 

 gummy legs, and especially when they are out of condition. Treatment 

 is not always satisfactory. The general condition of the animal must 

 have attention, the diet must be changed, and a mild laxative ball given 

 (say three drachms each of aloes and bi-carbonate of soda), followed 

 up by tonic diuretic medicines, and dressing of the parts, twice a 

 week, with a little ten per cent, oleate of mercury, which should be 

 well rubbed in. Of all the remedies I have tried, this application 

 seems to have the best effect. On no account should the aff"ected 

 parts be washed, as this seems to irritate them and to encourage the 

 spreading of the complaint. 



