Scratches or Cracked Heels, 211 



the case maj be looked on as hopeless, and the most that can 

 be expected will be to render the horse, by care and quiet, 

 able to do some moderate work. 



Some relief may be obtained, by the following hoof oint- 

 ment : — 



No. 222. Tar, 



Burgundy pitch, 



Mutton suet, of each equal parts. 



SCRATCHES— MTTD FEVEE— CRACKED HEELS — ERYTHEMA OF THE 



HEELS. 



Definition. — An affection of the skin of the heels in horses, 

 considered a variety of chronic erythema, depending on altered 

 or suppressed secretions. 



Causes. — Exposure to mud and water, melting snow, ne- 

 glect of grooming, constitutional predisposition. It is parti- 

 cularly frequent in wet, open winters. 



Symptoms. — The horse is more or less lame, especially on 

 (Starting off in the morning. The skin of the heels is dry 

 and cracked, presenting upon its surface scaly crusts, the parts 

 swollen, and sensitive to the touch. 



At times the scratches are on all four legs, and extend up 

 to the belly ; the horse is irritable, and some general fever is 

 noted. This is the form called " mud fever,'' as it is generally 

 brought about by the irritation of wet dirt, and lack of care. 

 For its prevention, it is recommended to allow the dirt to dry 

 on the horse, and then have it w^ell brushed off, without the 

 application of water ; or if water is used to remove it, that 

 the legs be well bandaged immediately afterward. 



Treatment. — The plan recommended by Mr. Broad, of 

 Bath, England, as always successful, is to groom carefully, give 

 walking exercise, and apply to the parts, once or twice daily, 

 the following : — 



No. 223. Solution of subacetate of lead, 1 oz. 



Glycerine, 8 oz. 



Mix, and apply to the parts. 



