210 IERITATI02f OF THE SK.IN. 



Acute G-eneeal Ieeitation oe the Skin is an affection 

 whicli sometimes manifests itself upon horses during the clip- 

 ping season. Hitherto I have not seen this form of the disease 

 at any other time, nor under any other circumstances. Its 

 cause, so far as I have observed, appears to be dependent upon 

 the animal being clipped. 



The disease is characterised by a general soreness ; if any 

 one attempts to place his hand upon the skin, the animal 

 shrinks from the contact with every appearance of alarm. 

 Sometimes the general soreness is so excessive, that it is 

 dangerous for any one to hastily approach the poor brute : he 

 will kick, and resist being handled to the utmost of his power. 

 Both the skin and the hair are dry and harsh to the touch. 



In many cases great numbers of small, hard, round eleva- 

 tions are present upon the skin in the regions of the neck and 

 the breast, upon the inner surfaces of the fore limbs, upon the 

 haunches, under the abdomen, and around the hind limbs from 

 the stifle joints down to the hoofs. 



The appetite is occasionally impaired, and the pulse in- 

 creased in the number of its beats ; frequently, in the milder 

 forms of the affection, neither the appetite nor the pulse are 

 much affected. Sometimes the malady is associated with swelling 

 of the limbs, chapped heels, and in horses, with swelling of the 

 sheath. 



Acute Local Ieeitation of the Skin is far more com- 

 mon than the general form of the affection. It appears to 

 be dependent upon previous injury, inflicted upon the part ; or 

 upon the saddle, the harness, or the gears improperly fitting. 

 Sometimes the backs, or the shoulders of horses so affected will 

 remain tender for months after they have recovered from 

 the immediate effects of the crush of a saddle upon the back, or 

 an injury upon the shoulder from a collar. In one or two 



