THE HORSE, SKIN DISEASBS, ETC. 279 



partake as much as the system requires, by placing a poplar pole in the 

 stable, upon which he can conveniently gnaw. 



If the time is Winter, it will generally be found necessary to begin the 

 course of treatment by gi^ang a purgative, say two ounces of Epsom salts, 

 wbich may be repeated within seven hours if it fails to produce the 

 desired action ; and to feed him on laxative food until constipation is 

 overcome and a healthful action of the bowels restored. 



Remember that one of the very first objects is to establish regular 

 action of the bowels ; and then generous diet, (let it be green and succu- 

 lent if possible, but at any rate nutritious without being inflammatory), 

 vdih cleanliness and regular friction of the hide, will do more than 

 medicine. Do not expect to effect a speedy cure ; in any event, the very 

 existence of hide-bound indicates chronic disorder, and all chronic dis- 

 eases require time. 



If it is known to be the result of a well-defined disease, as big-head, 

 farcy, etc., the treatment must of course be directed to the removal of 

 that, according to directions elsewhere given in this work ; and the hide- 

 bound will disappear as its immediate cause is removed. 



X. Saddle Galls, or Sit-fasts. 



Causes. — These are swellings, sores, and tumors, caused by ill-fitting 

 saddle or harness. Different names are applied to them according to 

 their appearance and character. When a mere heated swelling on the 

 horse's back or shoulders is unattended to, while he is kept in constant 

 use, it sometimes assumes the appearance of a dead patch of skin, and 

 is then called a warble; when these ulcerate and discharge pus, and a 

 leather-like piece of skin is firmly fixed upon the top of it, the name 

 sit-fast is applied ; and when, by the use of saddle or harness before a 

 warble or sitfast is thoroughly healed, a hard, callous lump is formed, it 

 is called a navel gall — said to be so called because it is generally on that 

 part of the back opposite the navel. 



How to know it — These swellings, sores, and tumors require no 

 further description than has already been given. 



What to do. — The first and most essential thing is, that the animal 

 shall be allowed to rest ; or at any rate be subjected to such labor only 

 as will not require the same chafing, abrading saddle or harness which 

 has produced the trouble. 



Then, if it is merely a gall or scald — a heated, tender swelling, mthout 

 either suppuration or hardness — bathe with cold salt and water two or 

 three times daily. When the heat and tenderness are sensibly reduced, 

 anoint occasional! v, until the lump has entirely disappeared, with a mixture 

 of tar and olive oil, equal parts. 



