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MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
They differ materially in their effects, as some are attended 
with much itching, and others seem to give the animal no 
uneasiness whatever. Instances occur in which they dis¬ 
appear as suddenly as they came. When they do remain, 
in a few days the epidermis peels off, leaving a small scale¬ 
like spot, which is rarely a sore. In some instances these 
lumps are confined to the neck ; but more frequently they 
extend over the back, loins, and quarters. 
Cause. —The true cause of this cutaneous disease is not 
known, although it has been called surfeit, from a supposed 
resemblance to those eruptions in the skin of the human 
being which follow unwholesome or indigestible food. This 
complaint, however, most frequently exists after or during 
the time the horse is shedding his hair, and at which period 
there exists a stronger tendency to stomach-affections, and 
consequently indigestion has been supposed to affect the 
skin in the manner described. Poisonous substances taken 
into the stomach, such as herbs and mow-burnt hay, the 
chemical qualities, in the latter case, having changed its 
properties, have been known to cause this eruption. Drink¬ 
ing cold water in immoderate quantity, as well as improper 
exposure to cold air when the animal was over-heated, have 
been known to induce affections of this kind. There can 
be little doubt but it is caused by some obstruction of the 
pores of the skin, which produces swellings around them, 
and depending upon a primary affection of the cuticle, or 
from a sympathy with the digestive organs. 
Remedies. —The first thing to be adopted for the relief 01 
this disease is bleeding The extent of the complaint and 
the strength of the animal, and degree of fever, must 
regulate the quantity, which may be from three to five 
quarts. The following alterative must then be admi¬ 
nistered :—- 
