158 



VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



True elastic skin of the original quality is never reproduced when 

 once destroyed, either in the case of sitfasts or of any other injuries; but 



y^' 



a substitute is formed which answers sufiBciently well in most cases, and 

 the skin all round will contract in such a way as to leave only a small 

 scar. 



ERYTHEMA. 



Synonym.— Mud Fever. 



Definition. — An inflammation of the outer layer of the skin. 



Etiology. — An exposure to cold, wet, undue pressure of the harness, 

 abrasions of the skin. Also hereditary predisposition, clipping, and the 

 practice of cutting the hair closely on the legs, and particularly about 

 the fetlock joint. 



Symptoms. — If the skin is colorless, a general redness may be per- 

 ceived, and there is some heat and slight swelling. In the form termed 

 mud fever, all the legs and the surface of the abdomen are sometimes 

 covered by patches of superficial inflammation. The hair and cuticle 

 subsequently come off in patches. After cracked heels and scratches, the 

 skin sometimes presents a scabby appearance, and the legs swell at night. 

 Slight stiffness may appear in the gait when first moved in the morning, 

 which soon disappears. 



