SURFEIT.—In respect to the disease in horses so called, it seems, with most veterinary writers of the preceding and present time, to be an almost indefinite or undefined term. It is not only differently described, but attributed to various causes; without the superfluous investigation of which, it is only necessary to observe, that it is the effect of acrimonious morbidity in the blood, possessing gradational shades of progress, in a corresponding degree with what is denominated scurvy in the frame of the human species. In the first stage of what is professionally deemed SURFEIT, the horse's coat partially stares, and is in some parts nearly erect: under the raised parts is perceived a kind of blue dusty hue, which, not counteracted by medical means, or an increase of good _healthy provender_, soon degenerates to a palpable scurf; this continuing to extend itself over the surface, so hardens by time, that each becomes a pustule or eschar, which afterwards exfoliating, leaves alternate appearances of the bare skin and hair, somewhat similar to an advanced stage of the _mange_, to which species of disease it is, in fact, no very distant relation. Its progress to inveteracy is not the same in all subjects, as it will continue its ravages with fixed scales, or dry barky scabs, in some, but will emit a sharp serous ichor from others.
This discharge is generally of such a sharp and acrid property, that the violent itching it occasions, keeps the poor object in a state of incessant misery; for when the disorder is far advanced, the time is so constantly appropriated to the indispensible office of rubbing, (for the attainment of temporary relief,) that very little is afforded to the purpose of subsistence, should pasture be furnished in plenty; which, with such unfortunate and unprofitable subjects, is very rarely the case. The first step to cure, is to alter and enrich the _property_ of the _blood_, by altering the aliment to a more nutritious and invigorating kind than it was before. In a week or ten days, when the frame is in a perceptible degree improved, a first bleeding may take place, followed by such antimonial alteratives, as may be found best adapted to the complexion of the case. Many instances there are, where, from long standing, and great malignancy, mercurial solutions, or vitriolic lotions, become so indispensibly necessary, that a cure cannot be perfectly insured without. When the system is in a certain degree restored, and visibly rising superior to the depredating effects of disease, _bleeding_ may be repeated, and _antimonial powders_ in mashes nightly administered, till indications of certain recovery appear, when a course of mild mercurial physic should be proceeded upon, that no doubt of obliteration may be entertained.