V20 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



Severe sprains, as well as those which have been unskil- 

 fully treated, especially where from long-continued inflam- 

 mation the structure of the part has been considerably 

 altered ; or if the swelling has become callous, and the skin 

 thickened so as to prevent the free action of the limb, then 

 it will be necessary to use the cautery, as the best means of 

 rousing and stimulating to action the absorbents, so as to 

 enable them to take up the coagulated deposit, as well as 

 the thickened skin and unusual increase of the cellular 

 substance. 



In firing, the cautery should be applied in straight lines 

 so as to contract the skin, and by its natural elasticity to 

 produce that pressure so necessary in this complaint. 



It may well be imagined that it will require some time 

 before this hardened fluid can be removed, not less than six 

 months cessation from work will suffice. A blister applied 

 six weeks or two months after the use of the cautery is 

 frequently attended with beneficial efiects ; but it should 

 never be had recourse to except in cases where it becomes 

 mdispensable ; and these are generally from unskilful firing. 



It is necessary to pay very strict attention to the appear- 

 ance of the flexor tendons in the purchase of a horse ; and 

 if there is any thickening of the cellular substance, then it 

 may be inferred that the horse has had one of those sprains, 

 and that it has not been properly managed. The action of 

 the horse is sure to be affected by it, and a return of 

 the malady may occur ; and although all appearance of 

 lameness has left the animal, still he cannot under such 

 circumstances be considered a perfectly sound horse. 



WIND-GALLS. 



Symptoms. — ^Yind-ga^ls more frequently occur in the fore 

 than in the hind legs. These are known by the pufly 



