HORSES AND MULES. 297 



the same as for spavin, should be given upon its Qrst appear- 

 ance. Club foot is simply the worst stage of ring bone. Stifle 

 or lameness of the stifle joint, as well as all bruises and injuries 

 in the vicinity of the stifle joint or patella, induces heat and 

 tenderness, which increase, if the horse continue to be used, to 

 terrible suffering and permanent injury. Give immediate rest 

 and an application of corrosive liniment every other day for a 

 week or ten days. Splint is an enlargement on the splint 

 bone, and usually interferes but little with the usefulness or 

 comfort of the horse, except a little inflammation at first. Apply 

 a lotion (see Remedies) to a pad, fastening it over the spot, and 

 moisten often until inflammation subsides. When a splint inter- 

 feres with a tendon or appears to be troubling a horse, give a 

 few applications of the corrosive liniment. 



Stumbling is the effect of a bad formation of the joints and 

 limbs and not a vice. Sway back is a deformity caused by 

 riding a colt before it is strong enough to bear such a weight. 



There are various other bone diseases which require the 

 skill of an educated veterinarian, and if a serious lameness 

 cannot be traced to any part a veterinary surgeon had best be 

 consulted. Most of these lamenesses are the result of misuse ; 

 great care should be taken to prevent them. Loads should be 

 moderated to the strength of the animal. The horse is not 

 matured until eight years of age, and should never be taxed 

 to his full strength previous to this time. The appointments 

 of the stable should be such as to preclude accidents to the 

 limbs. 



Diseases of the Feet are among the most injurious, as 

 v/ell as the most painful, to which the horse is subject; and 

 when it is discovered that there is any trouble with the feet, its 

 cause should be at once discovered, and prompt measui-es taken 

 for relief. Most diseases of the feet, if taken in their earliest 



