DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS I49 



A mild attack of dropsy is indicated when the 

 legs of a horse swell up, due to lack of exercise 

 and poor circulation as occasioned by standing in 

 the stable. The first thing, of course, is to start 

 better blood circulation. Hand rubbing is good; 

 bathing with hot water acts similarly. Any med- 

 icine that stimulates the action of the kidneys will 

 prove helpful. Saltpeter is excellent for this. Use 

 once a day for three or four days in succession, and 

 give 4 tablespoonfuls at a dose. In connection with 

 this treatment supply the animal with succulent or 

 laxative food, that the bowels may be kept free and 

 open. Any of the tonic condition powders will 

 help. 



DYSTOKIA.— See Obstetrics. 



ECZEMA. — An inflammatory, non-contagious dis- 

 ease of the skin in which eruptions may occur in 

 the form of vesicles, pustules, crusts, scales, or 

 simple redness. Its principal victims are animals 

 fed rich food, the penalty being associated with 

 some gastric or intestinal disturbance. Treatment 

 is both external and internal. The former should 

 be in the nature of washes for cleanliness and heal- 

 ing. Tar soap is recommended. A wash made 

 of 4 tablespoonfuls of carbonate of potassium dis- 

 solved in a quart of water is also excellent. After 

 a good rub with this, wash off with warm water. 



If itching causes any distress, prepare a wash 

 consisting of 2 tablespoonfuls of acetate of lead, 8 

 tablespoonfuls of tincture of opium and a quart of 

 water. Where scales have formed and the skin is 

 thick and scurvy, rub in a little with the fingers 

 some biniodide of mercury and vaseline. Use 2 

 teaspoonfuls of the mercury and 8 tablespoonfuls 

 of the vaseline. One application will do the work. 

 If the case is bad, several parts being affected, treat 



