CHAPTER XIV. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



The skin is a membrane of variable thickness which covers 

 the whole body, and is reflected inwards by all the natural 

 openings, so as to line, by its internal reflections, \the eye, 

 the nasal cavities, the mouth, &c. &c. Skin diseases in the 

 lower animals generally do not prove so inveterate, as in the 

 human being. , ' 



SUEPEIT 



Is an affection of common occurrence amongst horses in 

 the spring and summer months, and is an eruptive disease 

 showing itself in the form of small tumours or pimples, and 

 extending along the neck or over the whole body. 



Cjiuses. — It very often proves a sequel of some derange- 

 ment of the digestive organs ; as from feeding for a lengthened 

 period on one kind of food, and more particularly if it is of a 

 stimulating or heating nature. It is also apt to occur in 

 horses that are in high condition when subjected to violent 

 exercise, causing them to sweat freely and then being ex- 

 posed to sudden chill ; in this form it is often met with in 

 colts, when being first put llo work. 



Symptoms. — It appears suddenly ; small pimples or 

 tumours arise on different parts of the body and neck, and 

 particularly undernegith the mane ; in some instances they 

 disappear rapidly by absorption, whilst in others they burst 

 and discharge a thin fluid j the hair gomes out, md small 



