Scratches 303 
prevail, the dust sticks in the hair when the horse 
sweats, and causes scratches in midsummer. Rope- 
burns under the fetlock may also cause scratches. 
Certain coarse-legged horses of the heavy draft type, 
with a thick growth of hair on the legs, are predis- 
posed to this trouble. In some cases of scratches, a 
form of mold has been found that has been thought 
to cause the disease. 
There is inflammation of the glands of the skin, 
the parts itch, and the hair stands erect. There is 
also a sticky discharge that adheres to the hair like 
dew; at first, the fluid is thin and colorless, but later 
it is gummy and may have a fetid odor. Transverse 
eracks appear in the skin, usually under the fetlock, 
but sometimes above it; the legs swell, the fetlock and 
pastern joints become stiff, and the horse is often lame 
on starting, owing to the soreness of the skin. In 
severe cases, a fungus-like growth of proud flesh, 
called “grapes,” forms on the edges of the cracks, and 
the parts bleed easily and profusely. 
The first essential is to clean the part. This is 
best done by clipping the hair close to the skin and 
applying a warm poultice of scalded bran, linseed 
meal, or bread and milk; this should be applied 
from twelve to twenty-four hours, and changed at 
least twice a day. When the poultice is removed, the 
part must be thoroughly washed, and wiped dry, after 
all scabs, etc., are removed. After the part is thor- 
oughly dry, the cracks can be painted with tincture of 
iodine and a mild ointment applied. The iodine may be 
used for three days and continue the ointment. It is 
