COMMON AILMENTS OF THE HORSE 429 



by washing with warm water and tar soap, wipe dry, and 

 then rub with vaseline. 



Scratches. — This is an inflammation of the skin in the 

 region of the heel, and is commonly called "grease heel." 

 It is due to mud and filth, and is more common on the 

 hind legs because of the exposure to the manure. The 

 treatment is to cleanse the parts by clipping the hair and 

 bathing in warm water and tar soap. Then apply a warm 

 poultice of scalded bran or linseed meal, changing 

 twice in 24 hours. After the scabs are removed, thor- 

 oughly cleanse the parts, wipe dry, and apply an antisep- 

 tic, as boric acid, dusting into the sores and then cover 

 with some oily dressing, as vaseline. 



Cracked hoofs. — These are of common occurrence in 

 the horse. They may be due to severe work, to dry weak 

 hoofs, and to injuries at the hoof head. When the cracks 

 extend from the top of the hoof they may cause severe 

 lameness. The treatment is to cleanse the crack, wash- 

 ing with a five per cent solution of carbolic acid. The 

 crack should be drawn together with shoe nails or clips 

 made especially for the purpose. Keep the hoof clean 

 and well oiled. 



Difficult parturition. — Occasionally the mare experi- 

 ences difficulty at parturition time. If presentation is 

 abnormal the fetal membranes may be disconnected and 

 result in injury to the young. If the mare is in trouble 

 and examination shows the young to be in any other 

 position than natural at once call for the advice of a 

 veterinarian. (Fig. 185.) 



