431 



with stiffness and lameness, which may be extreme in irritable borses. 

 Soon slight cracks appear transversely', and may gain in depth and 

 width, and may even suppurate. More frequently they become covered 

 at the edges or throughout by firm incrustations resulting from the dry- 

 ing of the liquids thrown out, and the skin becomes increasingly thick 

 and rigid. A similar condition occurs behind the knee and in front of 

 the hock (malanders and salanders), and may extend from these points 

 to the hoof, virtually incasing that side of the limb in a permanent 

 incrustiug sheath. Besides a heavy lymphatic constitution, which pre- 

 disposes to this affection, the causes are overfeeding on grain, altered 

 unwholesome fodder, close, hot, dirty stables, constant contact with 

 dung and urine and their emanations, working in deep, irritant mud ; 

 above all, in limestone districts, irritation by dry limestone or sandy 

 dust in dry weather on dirt road, also cold draughts, snow and freezing 

 mud, washing the legs with caustic soap, wrapping the wet legs in 

 thick woolen bandages which soak the skin and render it sensitive 

 when exposed next day, clipping the heels, weak heart and circulation, 

 natural or supervening on overwork, imperfect nourishment, impure 

 air, lack of sunshine, chronic, exhausting, or debilitating diseases, or 

 functional or structural diseases of the heart, liver, or kidneys. These 

 last induce dropsical swelling of the limbs (stocking), weaken the parts, 

 and induce cracking. Finally the cicatrix of a preexisting crack, weak, 

 rigid, and unyielding, is liable to reopen under any severe exertion, 

 hence rapid paces and heavy draft are active causes. 



In treatment the first step is to ascertain and remove the cause when- 

 ever possible. If there is much local heat and inflammation a laxative 

 (5 drams aloes, or 1 pound Glauber salts) may be given, and for the 

 pampered animal the grain should be reduced or replaced altogether by 

 bran m.ishes, flaxseed, and other laxative, nonstimulating food. In 

 the debilitated, on the other hand, nutritious food and bitter tonics 

 may be given, and even a course of arsenic (5 grains arsenic with 1 

 dram bicarbonate of soda daily). When the legs swell exercise on dry 

 roads, hand-rubbing, and evenly applied bandages are good, and mild 

 astringents, like extract of witch-hazel may be applied and the part, 

 subsequently rubbed dry and bandaged. If there is much heat but un- 

 broken skin, a lotion of 2 drams sugar of lead to 1 quart of water may 

 be applied on a thin bandage, covered in cold weather with a dry one. 

 The same may be used after the cracks api^ear, or a solution of sulphu- 

 rous acid solution 1 part, glycerine 1 part, and water 1 part, applied on 

 cotton and well covered by a bandage. In case these should prove un- 

 suitable to the particular case, the part may be smeared with vaseline 

 1 ounce, sugar of lead 1 dram, and carbolic acid 10 drops. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE HEELS FROM A FUNGUS — GREASE — CANKER. 



This is a specific affection of the heels of horses, associated with the 

 growth of a i^arasitic fungus [Oidium batracosis, dermaohyton), an otfen- 



