INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUSES. 481 



INSTKUMENTS AND APPARATUSES. 



The most important instruments and apparatuses used in vet- 

 erinary practice will now be referred to. It is not expected 

 that every owner of the horse will have use for all of them, 

 but he should know their use. 



The twitch is a loop of leather, or cord, on the end of a stick, 

 or mace, about two feet in length. The uj^per lip is passed 

 through the loop, and by twisting the stick the head is held 

 securely. 



Hobbles. — There are many forms of this apparatus. To hold 

 a horse for performing operations I use the following : 



A leather or rope collar is passed around the neck. A rope 

 is then tied to the lower part of this collar, and passed back 

 between the fore-legs, and tied around one of the hinder pas- 

 terns; this rope is then carried back through the collar, and 

 placed in the hands of an assistant. Another rope is similarly 

 passed to the other hind-leg, and placed in the hands of an- 

 other assistant. If the horse is not to be cast, the ropes may 

 be tied to the collar, when brought back, instead of being pu( 

 in the hands of assistants. By this contrivance the horse is 

 eifectually prevented from any vicious action. He may also 

 be successfully cast, or thrown, by it, one person managing: 

 his head. 



Stocks are a frame, more or less complicated, in which a^ 

 horse is secured and lifted off his feet. They are too expens- 

 ive for general use. 



The Sling. — This apparatus is used for keeping a horse's 

 weight off his feet. It is used in treating fractures or broken 

 bones. It consists of a broad girdle of leather or heavy canvas, 

 to pass under the belly and chest. In each end of the girdle 

 is fastened a stout rod. Straps are also attached to it, to pass 

 around the hips, and also around the breast, to act as breech- 

 ing, or stays. Loops are attached to each of the rods, one at 

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