E;jiLARGEMENT OF THE HOUGH. 207 



The solution of tincture of poison hemlock, recommended 

 in swelled hough, kept on this swelling, will doubtless cure it. 



F;NLA11GEMENT OF THE HOUGH. 



N'o particular description of this ailment is necessary, as the 

 name sufficiently indicates the seat and appearance of the 

 malady. There are two stages of the difficulty wdiich it is im- 

 portant to t)ear in mind. The first is the inflammatory stage, 

 and the second the chronic stage, or stage of permanent en- 

 largement. 



Symptoms. — After being exposed to whatever violence pro- 

 duced the difficulty, the hough-joint generally, no particular 

 part of it seeming to be especially aff'ected, commences to swell, 

 and all the other usual symptoms of inflammation appear, as 

 heat, pain, and tenderness, and also very great lameness. This 

 inflammation of the hough may continue for a few days, and 

 gradually subside, leaving the part quite w^ell. But it is not 

 safe to trust to nature to effect the cure thus, for in many 

 cases, instead of pursuing this course, a very different one will 

 be taken. The heat, pain, tenderness, and lameness gradually 

 pass away, but the swelling still remains. In this case the 

 inflammation has terminated in a thickening of all the liga- 

 ments and membranes which were affected. 



Causes. — Overexertion, checking up suddenly at great 

 speed, too great weight, or concussion from any cause, may 

 give rise to inflammation of the hough. When the inflam- 

 mation has passed aw^ay, leaving chronic or continued 

 enlargement of the hough, though the horse may perform 

 ordinary labor quite Avell, any strain of the part will be very 

 liable to cause a return of the inflammation and lameness. A 

 horse with an enlarged hough is unsound. One day's hard 

 labor may bring on lameness from wdiich he Avill never recover. 

 It should always be borne in mind that a part which has onc« 

 been the seat of severe injury or disease will be more liable 

 to give way afterward than if it had never been affected. 



