148 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



part in bran-like scales. This is described as squamous eczema, and has 

 a great tendency to become chronic. Eczema may occur in different parts 

 of the body, but it is perhaps most common in the upper part of the neck 

 and over the quarters. The symptoms of the disease, from first to last, 

 vary according to the stage. Congestion is observable at the commence- 

 ment, indicated in light - skinned animals by a redness of the surface 

 (erythema). This is followed by an eruption of pimples, next vesicles 

 or blisters form and break, and discharge their contents. Should the 

 inflammation be acute, the discharge becomes purulent. From the first 

 there is some irritation and itching, which may induce the animal to rub 

 or bite the diseased parts within reach. Eczema may be distinguished 

 from other skin affections, for being a distinctly catarrhal disorder it 

 is always associated with a discharge of a more or less sticky fluid, and 

 is therefore described as a " moist disease". 



Treatment must be adapted to the stage of the disorder. In the 

 simple forms, soothing treatment is recommended; as the disease advances 

 to the pustular stage, tonics and astringents are prescribed, and in the 

 last stage stimulants are advocated. In the simple form, an alkaline lotion 

 with a little glycerine and a small quantity of tincture of opium will 

 relieve the irritation; or in place of the lotion, flour may be sprinkled 

 over the moist parts. In the final stage, when crusts are being formed, 

 a ten-per-cent solution of carbolic acid may be employed, and when the 

 surface becomes dry and covered with scurf, the ointment of the oxide 

 of zinc will be beneficial. Throughout the disease saline laxatives may 

 be administered when necessary, and in the latter stages tonics, such as. 

 mineral acids and iron, and in some cases arsenic, will be indicated. 

 Arsenic is most conveniently administered in the form of Fowler's solution, 

 in doses of one ounce to an ounce and a half, which may be sprinkled 

 on the food night and morning, or mixed with the drinking water. 



PLASTIC INFLAMMATIONS 



The diseases included under this heading are lichen and prurigo. 



Lichen is a papular disease, which is described by Williams as the 

 papular form of eczema. It commences by an eruption of small papules, 

 from which a fluid is discharged, and afterwards becomes dry and forms 

 a crust. The disease is most frequently seen on the legs of horses, along 

 the course of the flexor tendons. The exudation which occurs round 

 the hair follicle glues the hairs together, forming small tufts, and givea 

 to the legs the appearance of being covered with tails of rats; in fact,, 

 the disease is commonly called " rat tails". 



