98 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



swelling and inflammation, otherwise an incurable lame- 

 ness may be the result. 



Severe sprains, as well as those which have been 

 unskilfully treated, especially where from long-continued 

 inflammation the structure of the part has been con- 

 siderably 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 stimu- 

 lating 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 

 effects ; but it should never be had recourse to except 

 in cases where it becomes indispensable. 



It is necessary to pay very strict attention to the 

 appearance 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 circum- 

 stances be considered a perfectly sound horse. 



