110 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



if it is of small dimensions, and in most cases it will subside 

 completely. But if large, an incision should be made in 

 the skin along the centre of the prominent part, and the 

 tumour removed by dissection, 



COMPLAINTS AND INJURIES OF THE KNEE. 



BROKEN KNEES. 



Much has been said, and a great variety of remedies have 

 been recommended, for injuries received in the knees. It 

 is a subject of very great importance, and therefore much 

 patient attention should be bestowed upon it. Many fine 

 horses have been blemished and disfigured for life by broken 

 knees, and others have been so severely injured that it has 

 rendered them unfit for future service, and in other cases 

 has proved fatal to them. 



This injury is generally sustained while the horse is going 

 at a quick pace, consequently the extent of the wound will 

 generally be in proportion to the rate of the speed at which 

 the animal is progressing, and the weight behind, as well 

 as the condition and texture of the road on which he falls. 

 The horse in the action of falling naturally throws his knees 

 forward, and consequently they receive all the weight of 

 both horse and rider, and frequently are very severely 

 lacerated. 



Remedies. — The first precaution is to wash the wounds 

 thoroughly with warm water and a sponge, so as to remove 

 all dirt and gravel from the parts. The next thing to be 

 done is to examine carefully whether the joint is cut, which 

 is best ascertained by the application of a probe, and if the 

 hard bone is felt by the grating of the instrument, it is 

 certain that the joint is penetrated. But should a doubt 

 remain as to its being so then a poultice must be applied. 



