STRAIN OF. THE COFFIX-JOIXT. 197 



STRAIN OF THE COFFIN-JOINT. 



The coffin-joint is composed of the union of the coffin-bone, 

 the navicular bone, and the lower pastern-bone. This joint is 

 a little below .the coronary ring. 



Symptoms. — Lameness suddenl}^ coming on, with heat and 

 tenderness low down around the coronet. It is very difficult to 

 determine this injury, owing to the parts being covered up by 

 the hoof in which it occurs. The absence of injury in any of 

 the other joints near it should always be determined before 

 locating the cause of the lameness in the coffin-joint. 



Causes. — Any violence so applied as to throw the force on it, 

 may strain this joint. It is not very common, however, that it 

 is injured. It is well protected from concussion by the extensive 

 elastic structures about it. Getting the foot fast is most likely 

 to strain this joint. It should be promptly, treated, for irrepar- 

 able mischief may be the result if it is not. 



Treatment. — The first object is to prevent inflammation 

 taking place; or, if it has already set in, to reduce it. For 

 this purpose remove the shoe, wash the foot, put the horse on a 

 soft floor, and wrap the foot with a broad, long bandage, and 

 keep wet with the following '•'' cold lotion: " 



Take — Saltpeter 4 ounces. 



Sugar of lead 1 ounce. 



Muriate of ammonia 1 ounce. 



Common salt 1 pint. 



Water 4 gallons. 



Mix. 



A cooling physic may be given every two or three days. 

 Light diet, as scalded Shorts, bran, etc. 



