THE CARE OF HORSES 211 



in the crevices of the foot. An absolutely clean, dry stall 

 is a necessity for healthy, good feet. Sometimes the feet 

 become too dry and brittle, in which case it is a good plan 

 to soak them for a few hours at a time in a shallow pan or 

 trough. Capable horsemen, who watch the feet of their 

 horses carefully, occasionally rub neats-foot or sweet oil on 

 the hoofs, which prevents their becoming too dry. The 

 horse should be kept properly shod, and the feet inspected 

 from time to time to note the condition of the shoes and 

 see that they do not become loose. 



The treatment of sores and wounds on the horse is a 

 comparatively simple matter. A first requirement is cleanli- 

 ness. In general a sore or wound should first be bathed 

 with pure sterilized warm water. A wound or cut should 

 be disinfected with some easily-obtained, healing solution. 

 Common coal-tar sheep dip, or creolin, diluted 50 times, is 

 a popular disinfectant. A three per cent solution of carbolic 

 acid in soft water is also recommended for this purpose. Dr. 

 Hadley states* that "bandages or other dressings must be 

 changed as soon as they become saturated with the wound 

 secretions. At this time the wound is cleaned with an anti- 

 septic solution. The surface of the wound should be sopped 

 instead of rubbed, to avoid irritation and injury to the 

 newly formed granulation tissue. A dusting powder, com- 

 posed of iodoform or boric acid, or equal parts of iodoform, 

 boric acid, and tannic acid, may be sifted on the wound 

 to check secretions and promote healing. If pus has a tend- 

 ency to collect in pockets, these should be swabbed out daily 

 or opened so as to allow free drainage." Tincture of iodine, 

 as prepared by a druggist for bruises and wounds, is one of 

 the most valuable healing and antiseptic remedies available. 

 Where the harness rubs and tends to produce sores, as on 

 the shoulders and neck, the pressure on the bruised part 

 should be relieved. It is also a good plan to wash the 

 shoulders, neck and withers morning and night with salt 



*The Horse in Health and Disease, 1915. 



