THE SKIN 



393 



that they require. Symptoms. — The animal is seen to go stiff and sore 

 on first leaving the stable ; it may even click up the affected leg like 

 a horse in string-halt, and go on the toe for a step or two, but 

 generally improves in action after going a short distance. The pastern 

 joint is found to be swollen and painful, and there is soon a breaking 

 out in the hollow of the heel, with a bloody discharge. Treatment. — 

 Should there be much pain and fever present, then the soda and 

 aloes ball (par. 666) should be given, and a poultice applied to the 

 affected heel. This latter can be most effectually accomplished 

 by pulling a piece of the leg of a pair of old trousers over the foot, 

 securing it round the top of the hoof by means of a strap ; next the 

 hollow of the heel should be filled in with bran and linseed meal, 

 mixed with cold water to the consistence of porridge, to which 

 should be added a tablespoonful of carbolic acid or phenyle ; then the 

 bag should be fastened above the pastern joint, with a bandage over 

 all. After the inflammation is reduced, the following lotion should 

 be applied night and morning, viz. : 2 drachms each of sugar 

 of lead and sulphate of zinc, mixed in a quart of cold water (par. 

 1060, No. V.). In chronic cases of cracked heels, when there is little 

 or no swelling present, dressing them with carbolized zinc ointment 

 usually sets things right in a short time ; they should never be 

 washed or rubbed with a cloth ; and any mud on them should be left 

 until it dries, when it can be gently rubbed off with a wisp of meadow 

 hay. If neglected, cracked heels may ultimately terminate in 

 troublesome ' grapey ' heels, or ' grapes ' (par. 669). 



672. Mechanical Injuries to the Skin. — Chafing of the 

 shoulder and back from badly-fitting collars or saddles, produce, 

 respectively, sore shoulders and saddle-galls. These must have 

 immediate attention, and the cause removed. The sores should be 

 bathed with clean cold water night and morning, and then well 

 covered with Fuller's earth. Should the skin be much damaged, 

 dressing with the zinc and lead lotion (pay. 1060, No. V.) will have a 

 good effect. 



673. Scratches and Pricks from thorns and barbed wire are 

 very common. When present, the thorns must be carefully removed, 



