142 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



glanders which affects the skin and is known as farcy. These cases, 

 which have been described as pseudo-farcy, were in all probability horse- 

 pox. 



Treatment. In this affection there is little requiring to be done in 

 the shape of treatment beyond upholding the animal's general health by 

 careful feeding and stable management. If the bowels are constipated, 

 two or three small doses of sulphate of magnesia given in the drinking 

 water will act as a corrective; it may be desirable to administer a little 

 nitrate of potash in the food once daily during the existence of the disease, 

 to prevent undue swelling of the legs. Local treatment should consist in 

 sponging over the seat of eruption night and morning with a ten-per- 

 cent solution of carbolic acid, and dusting a little boracic acid and flour 

 over the pustules. 



The diseased animal should be isolated and placed under the care of 

 special attendants. 



All brushes, cloths, rugs, bandages, and stable utensils used for the 

 purpose of the sick, should not be brought into contact with the healthy. 

 After the disease has disappeared, these, as well as the stable and its 

 fittings, must undergo thorough disinfection and cleansing. 



American Horse- POX.- For several years past an eruptive disease 

 of the skin of the horse, characterized by the development of small 

 pustules, has been recognized in this country, particularly among animals 

 sent for exhibition. For some reason which is not well defined, the 

 disease is considered to have been imported from America; it is usually 

 mild in character, though for the time troublesome; the pustules very 

 soon become dry, and the crusts fall off, leaving small scars which soon 

 disappear. It is essentially a form of ecthyma, and will be treated under 

 that heading. 



ERUPTIONS DUE TO THE CONTACT OF IRRITATING AGENTS, 

 OR TO THE CIRCULATION OF SPECIFIC POISONS IN 

 THE BLOOD 



It is well known that various forms of skin eruptions are due to the 

 attacks of various insects, as lice, fleas, gnats, gadflies, &c., also from the 

 ravages of acari; and certain vegetable parasites which establish themselves 

 in or on the integument, for example, the well-known ringworm fungus. 

 Eruptions also occur as the consequence of the contact of such agents as 

 mustard, paraffin, solution of carbolic acid, arsenic, and even soft soap; 

 when this agent has been used in strong solution for the purpose of 

 washing the skin, and a quantity of it has been carelessly left upon 



