HIDE-BOUND. 191 



of the stable; if the grooming, the clothing, or the 

 exercise are neglected, or improperly managed; the 

 evil effect is speedily shown by the want of elasticity 

 in the skin, and the accumulation of scurfy matter 

 upon it. 



The treatment of want of condition will somewhat 

 vary with the cause of it. Should the horse be very 

 plethoric, or in high working condition, a mild dose 

 of physic may be required. From six to eight 

 drachms of the physic mass (Recipe No. 1, p. 26) 

 should be given. A second or third dose at proper 

 intervals may follow, if the bowels be much confined ; 

 but otherwise, an alterative ball (Recipe No. 4, 

 p. 36), given on eight or ten successive nights ; 

 with proper attention to clothing, temperature, ex- 

 ercise, and, above all, a gradually increased quantity 

 of good food, will be every thing required. 



HIDE-BOUND. 



This is not only a suspended secretion of the oily 

 matter intended to keep the skin supple, but also 

 feverish excitement of the contractile substance of the 

 skin itself; and, in consequence, not only does the 

 skin feel harsh, but it is very difficult to raise it from 

 the muscles below. From the tightness of the cover- 

 ing, the horse with hide-bound has a peculiar tucked- 

 up appearance. It is a state of the skin produced by 

 a diseased state of the digestive organs generally. 



A few tonic balls, together with a judicious allow- 

 ance of oats, beans, mashes, green food, and espe- 

 cially carrots ; good grooming, and regular exercise, 

 will be the most effectual remedies for hide-bound. 



