CHAPTER XVI. 
DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 
1. Cracked Heels (Scratches). 
This disease is common among horses, and affects the 
heels, those of the hind legs being oftener affected than those 
of the front. 
Causes. — Anything that irritates the skin tends to pro- 
duce this disease. Wet and 
muddy roads in the fall and 
spring, washing and not prop- 
erly drying the legs, standing in 
badly kept stables, or wearing 
boots on the legs will cause it. 
Heavy, hairy-legged horses are 
more subject to it than light 
horses. 
Symptoms. — The affected legs 
have a tendency to swell and 
are stiff and sore about the 
heels. The skin becomes cracked 
and scaly-looking at the back of 
the heels, and in some cases, 
when being driven the heels 
bleed. 
Treatment. — Commences by 
* feeding soft food and giving Fig 28.— Scratches, Cracked Heel. 
physic consisting of: 
Bitter Aloes 8 drams. 
Ginger 1 tablespoonful. 
Bicarbonate of Soda 1 tablespoonful. 
Dissolve in a pint of lukewarm water and give as a 
drench, allowing the animal to remain in the stable the next 
day. After this give the following powder: 
Nitrate of Potash or Saltpetre ^ pound 
Sulphur '. 14 pound 
Mix thoroughly and give a teaspoonful twice a day in 
the feed. This will cool the blood and improve the general 
aw 
