Treatment of Grease, 213 



out a discharge of ill-smelling matter, often considerable in 

 quantity. The limb is swollen and tender, and fever may be 

 present. The hind limbs are more frequently aifected than 

 the fore ones. The hairs are matted together, and masses of 

 proud flesh spring from the unhealthy sores, forming rounded 

 bunches, which, from their imagined resemblance to the fruit, 

 are called by farriers '^grapes.^^ Closer examination may dis- 

 cover various parasites in these masses, and around the hairs. 



The main point of difference between grease and scratches 

 is that the former is a moist, and the latter a dry disease of 

 the skin (though irritation and ulceration of the cracks, in 

 scratches, may sometimes deceive the hasty observer). 



Treatment. — As the disease is very often owing to the 

 poor condition of the animal, he should have an entire 

 change of diet, should be comfortably housed and clothed, 

 and given, once a week, a moderate dose of aloes (4 to 6 

 drachms in a pint of water). An ounce of saltpetre should 

 be placed daily in his bucket of water. 



Locally the parts should be kept clean by gentle bathing 

 in tepid water, ajid dusting with dry oxide of zinc (flowers 

 of zinc) ; or by bathing with the following, which is highly 

 recommended by Prof. Dick in the early stages of the dis- 

 ease : — 



No. 228. Acetate of lead, 1 oz. 



Sulphate of zinc, | oz. 



Water, 1 pint. 



Mix and apply twice daily, after cleaning the parts with warm soap 

 and water. 



For the "grapes'' Prof. Dick recommends sprinkling them 

 with powdered sulphate of zinc. Others clip them off with 

 scissors ; or fasten a tight ligature around their bases and let 

 them slough off; or remove them with an actual cautery. 



For the unpleasant odor of the discharge, a lotion made 

 of one part of carbolic acid to ten or twelve parts of water 

 will prove effectual. Prof. 6ramgee recommends, as an excel- 

 lent preparation — 



