ECZEMA. 151 



courages the growth of low forms of parasitic life. Recent re- 

 searches seem to indicate that eczema is gene'rally due to the 

 presence of bacteria. 



The irritating effect of a flannel shirt next the skin during the 

 hot weather in the tropics, makes itself quickly felt by the wearer, 

 if he has a tendency to " prickly heat." In fact, the simple wear- 

 ing of cotton next the skin will often prevent an attack of this 

 affection, which would be inevitable were flannel worn instead. As 

 the skin of the horse is much more sensitive than our own, it is 

 highly advisable in cases of skin diseases accompanied by itching, 

 never to put woollen material next the horse's skin. If the use of 

 a rug be necessary in such instances, a clean cotton sheet should be 

 placed under it. 



Owing to the similarity of the causes which affect the skins of 

 horses, at the same season, from year to year, attacks of eczema 

 occurring once every twelve months are often found in different 

 animals at the same time, that being almost always summer. If 

 the disease appears in winter, it may then be due to irritation 

 caused by dirty woollen clothing, want of grooming, or some consti- 

 tutional disturbance which has checked perspiration. 



The term herpes is applied to an attack of eczema when the erup- 

 tion of vesicles (small blisters) breaks out on the skin in groups. 

 This form of eczema is sometimes called non-contagious ringworm, 

 on account of its appearing in patches ; although the itching and 

 more or less severe eruption on the skin of a horse attacked with 

 herpes, are absent in cases of ordinary ringworm. 



The term prurigo is frequently used to signify any form of 

 eczema (especially that about the root of the tail) which is accom- 

 panied by much itching. " It is uncertain whether there is any 

 specific affection to which the name, prurigo, is applicable " 

 (Bristowe). The kindred term, pruritis, simply means " itching." 



TREATMENT. — Give bran mashes, and mix in them Epsom 

 salts to the amount of 4 oz. daily. If the animal is in a stable, 

 keep him on grass, carrots or other green food. If he is on grass, 

 substitute hay for it. 



Boil a couple of pounds of linseed in a gallon of water for five or 

 six hours, and divide it between the daily feeds ; or mix a couple of 

 ounces of linseed oil in the horse's food two or three times a day ; 

 and in his corn or mash give a drachm and a half of tartar emetic, 

 daily for a week or ten days. The use of common or rock salt 

 should not be neglected. This treatment will generally suffice for 

 mild cases. In more obstinate attacks, stop the tartar emetic after 

 a week's time, and substitute an ounce of liquor arsenicalis. 

 After a few dajs' iiitermission, these medipines may be alternated 



