238 
THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 
condition. Bathe the heels with lukewarm water and a little 
castile soap, night and morning, wipe dry with a soft cloth 
and apply the white lotion. Before taking him out to work 
rub the heels with vaseline or lard to keep them soft and pro- 
tect them from the dirt and water. If the heels are very sore 
and swollen apply a hot poultice of half linseed and half bran 
every night for a while until the natural condition is restored. 
2. Mud Fever. 
This is an inflammation of the skin of the legs and the 
under part of the belly. 
Causes. — Mud fever is the result of conditions such as 
those that give rise to scratches, being met with mostly in 
the spring and fall, during wet, slushy weather. The muddy 
water si)lashes over the legs and belly and, not being washed 
of?, soon causes an inflammation of the skin of these parts. 
Sometimes the neglect to properly rub dry after washing 
with cold water will cause it. 
Symptoms. — The legs are swollen and stifif, the skin is 
hot and tender, and the hair falls off in patches. 
Treatment. — Give the same medicine internally as that 
recommended for scratches to cool and cleanse the blood. If 
the legs are dirty bathe them with lukewarm water and a 
little castile soap and dry them with a soft cloth. One bathing 
is all that is necessary; simply brush off with a soft brush 
and apply the white lotion twice a day, which is soothing and 
healing to the skin. Keep the animal out of the wet aifd mud 
as much as possible. If working him is necessary, each time 
before taking him out, rub the parts affected with vaseline or 
lard, which softens and protects the affected skin. 
3. Grease. 
Causes. — This disease generally follows a neglected case 
of scratches. It affects the glands of the legs, as well as the 
skin, and is more common in heavy, hairy-legged horses that 
have round, fleshy legs. It may be caused from bad blood 
and swollen legs, and is more frequently met with in the hind 
legs. It is also brought on by clipping horses' legs in cold, 
wet weather. 
Symptoms. — There is a thickening and swelling of the 
legs which become hot and tender and upon which the hair 
stands out instead of lying down flat as under ordinary con- 
