1012 DISEASES AND THEIK TEEATMENT. 



doubtedly a remedy of great value. I include the prescription, 



with directions, as given me :— 



" The immediate causes of cracked heels, though various, may 

 be summed up under the general heads of neglect and mismanage- 

 ment. Any very sudden change from heat to cold, or from cold to 

 heat, is very likely to derange the secretions of the skin. Hence 

 washing the legs, esj)ecially with hot water, is very apt to induce 

 cracked heels. The use of caustics and active astringents fre- 

 quently does irreparable mischief. " Gummj^-legged " horses, i. e., 

 those whose legs are disposed to fill, are predisjjosed to cracked 

 heels. Though this affection is usually associated with neglect or 

 mismanagement, we occasionally find it in animals receiving the 

 best of care. Horses well groomed and regularly exercised some- 

 times suffer from cracked heels. The process of sweating induces 

 the affection. The sweat runs down into the hollow of the heels, 

 and the evaporation of the perspiration, strongl}'' impregnated as 

 it is with the salts of the blood, may possibly lead to disease. In 

 regard to treatment, first, the cause, if it can be discovered, must 

 be removed. The heels should be washed ever}^ night with warm 

 water, and carefully enveloped in flannel bandages. Soap, though 

 commonly used along with the water, is injurious, because the al- 

 kali contained in it spoils the material thrown out for the repara- 

 tive process. Ointments of various kinds are used. The following, 

 if properly prepared, is an excellent remedy: Take of oxide of 

 zinc, one drachm ; Veterinary Cosmoline, one ounce ; powdered 

 gum benzoin, ten grains ; camphorated spirits, one drachm ; mix 

 thoroughly. The mode of application is a matter for attention. It 

 should be gently rubbed upon the cracks with the finger, so as to 

 distribute it in a moderately thick layer over the whole of the af- 

 fected part, and to insinuate it as much as possible under any crusts 

 that may be fonned in the disease. Once properly applied, it will 

 prevent further crust from collecting, while it serves the several 

 purposes of a new cuticle to the abraded skin, a water-dressing, and 

 a barrier to the oxidizing action always present in inflammation. 

 The heels must not be washed after the application of the oint- 

 ment ; they may be wiped with a soft napkin as much as may seem 

 necessary, but when the ointment is once applied, it should not be 

 removed by Avashing without good reason. Or the following lini- 

 ment may be successfully applied : Take of Goulard's extract, En- 

 glish glycerine, and skunk oil, two parts each ; liquor ammonia, 

 half a part ; mix. Agitate before using, and apply with a soft 

 brush twice a day." 



See also hoof ointment on page 983, which Prof. Gamgee, of 



Edinburgh, Scotland, says is one of the very best remedies for 



scratches or cracked heels. 



Grease. 



This may be considered as an aggravated condition of scratches, 

 and is induced by the same general causes. In the early stage, it 



