MUD FEVER. 159 



parts with a solution of chromic acid (1 part to 9 parts of water) 

 every day, or every second day, until they dried up. 



For treatment by carbide of calcium, see page 174:. 



Veterinary Surgeon Desmond tells me tliat he has often cured 

 most obstinate cases of cracked heels by simply tying the horse 

 up short in a narrow stall, so as to prevent him lying down or 

 moving about — ^feeding him lightly, and using no application to 

 tlie pasterns. The repair of the cracks would be hastened by using 

 cotton wadding bandages, which would help the circulation of blood 

 in the animal's limbs. Long-continued standing naturally pro- 

 duces more or less stagnation of blood in the legs. Slings (p. 680) 

 might be tried with benefit. 



Mud FeYer (Eczema of the Legs and Abdomen) 



is an ailment similar to cracked heels; being inflammation of the 

 skin of the legs, which sometimes extends to the belly, and is 

 caused by the action of moisture and mud, and particularly by 

 the practice of washing the legs after continued work through wet 

 and dirt, as w^hen hunting. There is usually present a certain 

 amount of fever, brought on by irritation to the skin. The limbs 

 become very sore, and the horse has to be thrown by for some time. 



Here, as in cracked heels, owing to the presence of inflammation, 

 the oil glands of the affected skin do not pour out a sufficiency of 

 oil to keep it in a soft and pliable condition. 



The practice of clipping horses' legs is a strong predisposing 

 cause of mud fever, as well as of cracked heels. If a horse which is 

 exposed to influences that are likely to cause mud fever and cracked 

 heels, has to be clipped, it is well to confine the use of the machine 

 and scissors to the head, neck and body, and to leave the legs 

 untouched. If, after work through mud and wet — supposing the 

 animal's legs have neither been clipped nor singed — the legs be not 

 washed, but be allowed to dry of their own accord, they will rarely 

 become affected by mud fever. The use of warm water, as I have 

 remarked in the case of cracked heels, even with every precaution, 

 is very liable to cause this affection. 



If the legs of a sound horse have to be washed, use only cold 

 water; do the Avashing in a stable out of the wind; quickly and 

 thoroughly dry the legs with the rubber and by hand-rubbing; 

 apply lanoline, fresh fat, or sweet oil ; and put on flannel bandages. 

 I would advise, as a matter of ordinary stable routine, that the 

 external use of water should be confined to the animal's muzzle, 

 eyes, dock, and sheath. 



TREATMENT. — ^Treat as for cracked heels. If fever be present, 

 give a mild dose of Epsom salts. 



