CHAPTER VI, 
THE SKIN. 
ERUPTIONS. 
SF these the frst kind are very small elevations, some of which. 
contain a dry, chalk-like substance, while others discharge a sticky 
fluid that mats the adjacent hair, and then dry up; the second are 
most frequent in horses with a great supply of blood, especially 
in hot weather, and they come and go suddenly, some being irregular 
lumps, from the size of a pea to that of a walnut, others flat, covering a 
space several inches in circumference. They are found in groups over the 
body, occasionally becoming soft and discharging a gluey fluid, but gener- 
ally leaving suddenly without this manifestation. In some cases of the 
second kind fever-symptoms are marked, in others they are obscure if 
they exist at all. Among the causes are a change of food, shedding, sud- 
den stoppage of sweat from drinking cold water when the animal is. 
heated, indigestion, overfeeding and insufficient work. 
TREATMENT.—Nux vomica is the most approved remedy for the first 
kind of eruptions named, given in ten-drop doses three times a day for four 
days; the same has proved beneficial for the second kind. If nux vomica 
fails to reduce the symptoms, give five to ten drops of Fowler’s Solution 
two or three times aday. Give bran-mashes and green food for a few 
days. The reader must not expect that all eruptions and “pimples” can 
be cured by this treatment, or by any other single one. The functions of 
the skin are more complicated and important than most people suppose, 
and their derangement or interruption will induce grave disorders, They 
are very similar to those of the skin in man, and the reader should carefully 
note the remarks made in Ruddock’s Family Doctor, pages 344-382. 
He will infer therefrom that eruptions on the skin are very often 
symptoms of some serious disease, and that attempts to remove them 
or drive them back are liable to produce great injury. When they are 
symptomatic of some disease, treat the disease before attempting to ef- 
fect their cure. 
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