DISEASE OF BONES, JOINTS, ETC. 



RINGBONE. 



This disease affects either the upper or lower pastern bones, 

 and typical specimens show complete ring-like formation, 

 either at the pastern or coffin joints. The terms " high " and 

 " low " are frequently prefixed when the disease is, respectively, 

 thus situated. Like the preceding diseases, ringbone constitutes 

 unsoundness. External injuries, such as sprain of ligaments, 

 blows, treads, etc., in this region, are liable to excite ringbone. 

 The bony deposition may be at the front, back or sides, and either 

 in a fore or hind limb, mcst frequently the former ; probably 

 the degree of lameness is less when on the latter. Long upright 

 pasterns are regarded as predisposing causes, so that due care 

 ought to be exercised when selecting sire and dam. 

 In young horses, particular attention should be given to 

 the feet. See that the weight bearing surface of the wall is 

 uniform. When ringbone is located upon the front of a fore limb 

 the animal will bring the heel down to the ground first, but 

 if upon a hind pastern and behind the joint, then the toe touches 

 the ground before the rest of the foot. We now refer to ring- 

 bone when situated high. The size of a ringbone is no criterion 

 as to the degree of lameness. 



Treatment. — During the formative stage, rest and cooling 

 lotions. 



A bar shoe is useful if the disease is on a fore limb, or in 

 front of a hind one, but a high heeled shoe is best when at 

 the back or sides of the latter. 



FRACTURES (BROKEN BONES). 



The large size of most of the bones of the horse neces- 

 sarily renders a fracture of any of them of serious moment, 

 and we have little hesitation in recommending that the veterin- 



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