322 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



dispelling the swellings. Firing is still more effectual in 

 large galls, as it immediately induces absorption of the fluid, 

 and consequently the swelling disappears, by means of the 

 contraction of the skin caused by the use of the cautery ; . 

 and this contraction serves the purpose of a permanent 

 bandage, and prevents a recurrence of the wind-gall. 



RUPTURE OF THE SUSPEJ^SORY LIGAMENT. 



Extraordinary exertion will sometimes produce rupture in 

 the suspensory ligament, (see plate 6, fig. 10, /.) This 

 relaxation allows the sessamoid bones to fall down, and 

 consequently the fetlock joint nearly touches the ground. 

 It not unfrequently happens that this complaint is mistaken 

 for rupture of the flexor tendons ; but one thing will render 

 it sufficiently evident that it is really the suspensory tendon 

 which is at fault namely, that the horse is able to bend his 

 foot. No malady which affects a horse is more serious than 

 this ; for it is ten to one that the animal ever becomes 

 effectually cured of it. In most instances he is ever after- 

 wards lame. 



Remedy. — If a cure can at all be effected, it will be by 

 keeping the animal quiet, and having the leg bandaged and 

 giving him a high-heeled shoe. 



GROGGINESS. 



This consists of a singular knuckling over the fetlock- 

 joint, and general shaking over the entire fore-leg. It is a 

 complaint common to old, over-worked horses. Neither 

 the fetlock or pastern joints are simply implicated in this 

 complaint, although both are connected with it. 



Cause. — Working the animal beyond his strength is 

 usually the sole cause of this complaint. It is for the most 

 part a want of poAver in the ligaments of this joint, gene- 



