Symptoms.—An eruptive disease, very contagious; usually most severe in winter; ordinarily induced by inattention to cleanliness or contagion. Indicated by itching, hair falling off, skin becoming dry, wrinkled, and scaly, with raw spots and cracks over the body.
Treatment.—If coat be long it may be necessary to clip it. Wash well with warm water and soap; apply paraffine oil daily and allow to dry; or sulphur and linseed oil well rubbed in; or oil of tar and sulphur 2 oz. each, and linseed oil 1 pint. After treating a few days, use sal soda ¼ lb. to one gallon of hot water to wash off body and clean skin.
NAVICULAR DISEASE.
Symptoms.—Consists of sprain of the flexor tendon, or its sheath, as it passes over navicular bone, giving rise to inflammation of the joint.
If foot-lameness exists without apparent cause, animal points fore foot without resting hind quarters, wears away toe, goes up hill sounder than he goes down, feet, as a rule, contracted and hotter than usual, we may suspect navicular disease.
Treatment.—Rest; allow frog to bear on ground; cold poultices, or stand in cold water or on clay tempered with salt and water; laxative food. In a week blister around coronet and in hollow of heel.
This disease can only be alleviated, not cured.
OPHTHALMIA (SORE EYES).
Symptoms.—May arise from undue exposure to sun, cold, wind, dust, etc. Foreign substances usually lodge under the upper eyelid. The eyelids are swollen, tears running down face, with intolerance of light.
Treatment.—Bathe with warm water; dress daily with tincture of opium 2 drams, sulphate of zinc 4 grs., or alum 6 grs. and water 1 oz., and shade eyes with wide bandage suspended from brow-band. Keep in dark stable and avoid using in bright sunlight.