320 THE HORSE. 



is generally confined to the sheath of the tendons, which in most 

 cases gradually puts on an inflammatory condition for some time 

 before actual lameness is observed. In bad cases, however, the 

 ligamentous fibres which are given off by the posterior carpal 

 ligament to the flexor tendons are ruptured, greatly increasing the 

 amount of inflammation and subsequent loss of strength. In any 

 case the tendon feels spongy, and slightly enlarged, and there is 

 more or less soreness on pressure and on being trotted, but in the 

 latter case exercise removes the tenderness, and very often tempo- 

 rarily causes an absorption of the effused fluid, which is again 

 deposited during rest. This state of things goes on for a time, the 

 groom doing all in his power to alleviate it by wet bandages, &c., 

 but at last a severe race or gallop brings on an extra amount of 

 inflammation, with or without actual strain of the fibres of the 

 tendon, and then there can be no doubt about the propriety of 

 rest and severe treatment. It often happens that both legs are 

 slightly affected, but one being more tender than the other, the 

 horse attempts to save it by changing legs, the consequence of 

 which is that the comparatively sound tendons are strained, and 

 he returns to his stable with both legs in a bad state, but with one 

 of them requiring immediate attention. The treatment should be 

 by local bleeding (from the arm, thigh, or toe), followed at first by 

 warm fomentations, and in a few days by cold lotions. A high- 

 heeled shoe (called a patten) should be put on the foot, so as to 

 allow the horse to rest part of the weight upon the heel without 

 distressing the tendon, and this will have a tendency to prevent 

 him from over shooting at the fetlock joint, which he will other- 

 wise be very apt to do from constantly balancing his leg on the toe. 

 After three or four days the hot fomentations will have done what 

 is wanted, and a cold lotion may be applied by means of a loose 

 linen bandage. The best is composed as follows : 



Take of Muriate of Ammonia 2 oz. 



Vinegar \ pint. 



Methylated Spirit of Wine . . . . pint. 



Water 2 quarts. Mix. 



With this the bandage should be kept constantly wet, the applica- 

 tion being continued for a fortnight at least, during which time 

 the patient must be kept cool, by lowering his food, and giving 

 him a dose of physic. At the end of three weeks or a month 

 from the accident, the leg must be either blistered or fired, the 

 choice depending upon the extent of injury, and the desire to avoid 

 a blemish if such a feeling exists. The former is the more efficci- 

 cious plan no doubt, but blistering will frequently suffice in mild 

 cases. If, however, the tendons at the end of a month continue 

 greatly enlarged, a cure can hardly be expected without the use of 

 the " irons." 



