DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 315 



in gross constitutioned cart horses that have much hair about their 

 legs; it is commonly called grease; the disease generally origi- 

 nates in the heels and hollow of the fetlocks; in the first place 

 vesicles form, these are rapidly followed by pustules, which burst 

 and discharge a foetid, unhealthy pus; the hind limbs are gener- 

 ally the seat of the eruption, which as it develops sets up an in- 

 flammation in the connective tissue around the back tendons that 

 produces considerable tenderness; here a further crop of pustules 

 spring up, these discharge and the secretion irritates the skin 

 over which it flows, producing superficial cracks and ulceration, 

 until large fungoid growths are formed, commonly known as 

 GRAPES; these fungoid excrescences are supposed to be due to the 

 inflammation of the sebiparous (or sweat) glands, and ultimately 

 — if unchecked or imperfectly treated — thej^ become hard, rounded 

 elevations. If through neglect this is allowed to go on and still 

 further affect the leg, the fibrous tissue becomes alarmingly thick- 

 ened until the legs are such a size that it is termed elephanti- 

 asis. Whether their presence is accidental or otherwise there is 

 no doubt that in cases of grease of long standing there are always 

 present large numbers of snvaXX parasites called acari, and before 

 a cure can be effected some dressing must be applied, and that 

 thoroughly, which is capable of destroying these parasites. 



The exciting cause, in the first instance, is doubtless dirt and 

 neglect, while sometimes improper food may have something to 

 do with it; but we believe the main cause to which it may be at- 

 tributed is constitutional tendenc}'. 



Treatment depends entirely upon the extent to which the 

 disease has attained; in the first place, when from the offensive 

 discharge, the heat and swelling, it is quite clear that the disease is 

 thoroughly established, it is necessary to poultice the leg with boiled 

 turnips; or with spent hops or linseed meal — anything, indeed, 

 that has a tendency to soothe and soften the skin; after continuing 

 this for a day or two the legs should be carefully washed with some 

 non-irritating soap, thereafter dried as well as is possible and the 

 long hairs cut off as closel}' as can be with a pair of scissors, after 

 which an ointment of Benzoated zbic should be applied all over 

 the affected parts; while internally Kali bichromicum 3X should 

 be administered three times a day. If in a few days this does not 

 arrest the formation of the offensive discharge and induce the 



