GREASE. 253 



blance to a bunch of grapes: hence they are techni- 

 cally called "grapes." A strangely mingled discharge 

 runs from the greater part of the surface and smells 

 most abominably. 



Such a condition the disease could not have reached 

 had our previous directions been attended to. The 

 chloride of zinc effectually cleanses the heels, and pre- 

 vents all spurious granulations. There must, there- 

 fore, have been sad neglect, where the grapes are 

 ever witnessed. 



Severe measures alone will be of avail here; it is 

 generally the best practice to proceed to the cautery 

 at once. The scabs and the spurious horn should be 

 removed with a knife ; and then a flat-iron heated, or 

 rather rendered very warm, should be run over the 

 bleeding surface. 



The part should be thrice daily washed with the solu- 

 tion of chloride of zinc, of that strength which agrees 

 with the animal ; and even cloths moistened with the 

 liquid may be kept round the legs. The food at the 

 same time should be nutritive ; but by no means bulky, 

 and above all things easy of digestion. The horse 

 ought to take all the exercise he is capable of sus- 

 taining ; for nothing promotes healthy circulation like 

 gentle motion. 



A horse, however, that has once had an attack of 

 grease like this will be very subject to a relapse; 

 great care should, therefore, be taken not to expose 

 him to any of the predisposing causes. No water 

 should be suffered to go near his heels : he should be 

 well but not over fed; a mash should be occasionally 

 given ; also carrots and tonic medicine. 



