MANUAL FOR STABLE SERGEANTS. 101 



blood is vigorously forced into the paralyzed vessels and may rup- 

 ture their walls. On the other hand, if the saddle be allowed to 

 remain for some time in position, circulation may be gradually re- 

 stored without injury. 



367. Injuries from packsaddles and aparejos. — The causes, 

 nature, and treatment of these injuries are the same as those produced 

 by the riding saddle. 



368. Sore shoulders. 



Causes. — Dirty, ill-fitting, and improperly made collars; excessive 

 weight of the pole, causing pressure on the top of the base of the 

 neck; improper adjustment of the hames or trace plates; unequal 

 length of traces; working vrith. head drawn to one side; long con- 

 tinuous work in the harness; rough roads, and poor driving. 



Treatment. — Same as for sore backs (par. 366). 



Prevention. — Fit the collars properly and keep them clean; keep 

 the mane closely trimmed at the base of the neck; adjust the pole 

 chains properly, and drive with care. 



369. Bruises of the limbs. 



Causes. — Kicks, falls, treads, and, in draft animals, blows from 

 the pole. 



Treatment. — Cold irrigations and cold packs. \\Tien the infiams 

 mation is reduced apply tincture of iodine or a blister, if required. 



GUNSHOT WOUNDS. 



370. Gunshot wounds are those made by bullets or pieces of shell. ; 

 Treatment. — Do not probe for bullets unless they can be distinctly 



felt through the skin. Leave them where they are and they will 

 either become embedded in the tissues or expelled by the proces- 

 of suppuration (formation of pus). 



The tract of the bullet mustnot be irrigated nor should any attempt 

 be made to explore its depths. The point of entrance, and that of 

 exit, too, if there be one, should be treated locally with antiseptics, 

 preferably tincture of iodine. 



The animal should be watched daily for the formation of an abscess 

 which may develop and disclose the location of the bullet. 



SEROUS SACS. 



37 1 . By the term serous sac is meant a collection of serum, a straw- 

 colored, sometimes bloody, watery fluid, under the skin. 



Causes. — Blows and bruises, particularly about the buttocks. 



