326 THE HORSE 



down when it has only struck the tendon of the fore-leg with 

 the hind foot, when galloping or jumping. At first sight 

 there is no difference between the two, there is the same 

 bowed swelling and the horse is very lame, but in a few 

 days there is a great distinction, for if it is only a blow the 

 horse will soon be almost sound, but if it be a strain the 

 animal will be as lame as ever. In the latter case nothing 

 is of real benefit but a prolonged rest. 



Blistering. 



A few hints on blistering may be found of service. An 

 animal should never be blistered on all four legs at once, 

 only the alternate fore and hind limbs being blistered on one 

 occasion — say the near fore and the off hind-legs — so that 

 two sound legs on opposite sides are left to stand on. In 

 two or three days these legs can then be blistered in their 

 turn. If a fore-leg has to be blistered by itself turn the horse 

 round and fasten it to pillar reins — without giving it room 

 for much play — so that there is nothing in front to strike 

 the knee against, such as there would be if the horse is 

 fastened up to the manger. The opposite leg should be 

 bandaged, or the horse may rub one against the other, and 

 and so transfer some of the blister on to the wrong leg. A 

 cradle should be put on, particularly if a hind-leg is being 

 blistered, or the animal may screw itself round and rub its 

 nose and eyes against the blister ; and at all times the horse 

 must be fastened so short that the blister cannot be reached 

 with its teeth or muzzle. If a liquid blister is used the 

 hollow of the heel must be filled with vaseline or lard, in 

 case some of the fluid drops upon it. Before commencing to 

 apply a blister the part should be clipped if the hair is long, 

 and the skin should be damped with a sponge and then 

 dried, which ensures the blister taking a good hold. 



Eheumatism. 



When exposed to wet and cold a rheumatic attack is apt 

 to follow, which, if acute, is accompanied by increased tem- 



