Erysipelas 307 
RUBBING THE MANE 
Itching of the skin at the roots of the mane is a 
common annoying condition, and one that, in some cases, 
is difficult to cure. The skin in the affected region 
should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water, 
then dried and an iodin ointment rubbed well into 
the skin. Give laxative food and Epsom salts (about 
four ounces) once daily until the bowels are loosened. 
RUBBING THE TAIL 
The causes for this trouble may be the same as for 
rubbing the mane, and the treatment is the same. It 
may also be caused by intestinal worms, especially pin- 
worms. For treatment, see “Intestinal Worms,” Chapter 
XII, page 341. 
ERYSIPELAS 
Erysipelas sometimes occurs in horses, but rarely 
in other animals. It is an inflammation of the skin, due 
to a specific germ that gains entrance through a wound, 
though the wound may be so small as to pass unnoticed. 
The skin is hot, tender, swollen, and, if normally 
white, it turns very red. The inflammation and swell- 
ing affect the deeper tissues, which have a “doughy” 
feeling, pitting on pressure. There is a well-defined line 
between the healthy and the diseased parts. In severe 
cases there is a tendency toward the formation of a 
brownish, bad-smelling pus under the skin, and an 
extensive sloughing of diseased tissues, 
