Dropsy
While dropsy is not a common disease in the horse it is sometimes met with; particularly in horses which are fed on the refuse from sugar factories and distilleries.
It may be caused from improper feeding, or may be only a symptom of some other disease, particularly diseases of the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.
Dropsy is a morbid accumulation of watery fluid confined to certain parts of the body. The disease is divided into varieties corresponding to the respective localization of the accumulated water, as for instance, anasarca (water in the skin); ascites (water in the abdomen); hydrothorax (water in the chest).
Symptoms.—In the first form (anasarca) it is first noticed on the lower parts of the body, as the legs, under surface of the chest, etc. The skin is swollen and doughy to the touch and retains the impression of the fingers; but is neither painful nor of abnormally high temperature.
In ascites there is a gradual enlargement of the abdomen and when pressed upon, the fluid can be felt to flow from side to side and the part with the water gives a dull sound on being struck. Breathing is quicker and impeded and the appetite diminished, but there is no fever.
In hydrothorax the symptoms are much the same except that it takes place in the region of the chest instead of the abdomen.
Treatment.—It will generally be relieved by giving the H.H., in doses of fifteen drops three times per day for trifling cases, or ten drops every three hours for the more severe ones. After a free discharge of urine is established, giving the medicine three times per day will be sufficient.
Eczema
(See also Mange page [23])