122 
there is generally a certain amount of local irritation. Surfeit generally dies 
away in seven o: cight days, and in most instances leaves no trace of its former 
presence ; though sometimes the hair which covered the elevations falls off. 
When the hair grows again, it is of a lighter colour on the spots from which 
it had fallen off. In these cases it is best to commence treatment by 
administering three or four drachms of aloes. If it is not possible to rest the 
animal for three days, a pint of linseed oil may be given instead; for the 
administration of aloes always entails three days’ complete rest. The diet 
should be laxative, and restricted in amount for two or three days. In 
addition to the physic, six drachms of bi-carbonate of potassium (and two 
drachms of Fowler’s solution in bad cases) may be given twice daily for 
four days or so in the drinking water. 
HIDE-BOUND. 
HIDE-BOUND, though sometimes described as disease of the skin, is in reality 
merely symptomatic of a deranged condition of the system. Indigestion as 
in surfeit is one of the chief causes of this tightened condition of the 
integument, which, indeed, is common enough in many diseases of the horse. 
When we have reason to suspect that indigestion is the cause, the malady 
should be treated as described above; and similarly if the animal has 
worms, these should be expelled. Where a stimulating medicine is required 
to brace up the system, eight drachm balls composed of carbonate of 
ammonium one drachm and a half, of citrate of iron and ammonium a drachm 
and a half, of powdered nux vomica half a drachm, of powdered capsicum 
ten grains, and made up with gentian and treacle, may be given every 
morning and evening for a week. 
ECZEMA. 
EcZEMA is an inflammatory disease of the skin characterised by the eruption 
of a number of small vesicles or blebs, the fluid contents of which escape, 
and congealing, form scabs. The cause of eczema is to be sought for in an 
altered condition of the blood, brought on by injudicious feeding. It may 
be due to interference with the normal action of the skin, owing to the wearing 
of uncleansed rugs, or to the accumulation of dirt which may irritate the 
skin, or to causes such as cold, which may check perspiration. Eczema 
may break out in almost any part of the body. The most common seats of 
this malady are perhaps the shoulders, the insides of the thighs, the neck 
and the sides. 
In cases of eczema, it is best to commence treatment by the 
administration of three or four drachms of aloes, feeding the animal for three 
days on bran mashes and warm water, and resting him wholly, during the 
time, The food should be laxative. Linseed cake, gruel, and hay or green 
food, with only a moderate amount of corn, may be substituted for the full 
