Cracked Heels.

Cracked Heels. From careless grooming, washing horses' legs and imperfectly drying them, permitting them to stand in accumulations of filth or exposed to draughts, the skin becomes inflamed, tender, itchy, thickened, and by-and-by cracked. An ichorous and fetid discharge exudes, and lameness often results. In animals with round gummy legs it is sometimes constitutional; underbred horses with rough hairy fetlocks present the majority of cases; white heels, being more delicate, are especially affected; whilst the hind limbs, exposed as they are to filth and cold, suffer most frequently. Cleanse carefully with tepid water; wash with a diluted solution of Goulard's Extract, or any other mild astringent; or dress occasionally with oxide of zinc ointment. Give, besides, a half-dose of physic, and a few mashes, afterwards carrots, swedes, or such laxative food, and where the ailment is persistent, use Diuretics (q.v.). When the skin is dry and irritable, poultice and apply glycerine before proceeding with astringents. In cold weather, and especially when the horse is heated, interdict washing the legs; but allow them to dry, and then brush off the dirt.