DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE. 139 



before the joints begin to run, this will invariably effect a cure. 

 After the joints break, bathe with warm water three or four times 

 a day, dnd apply white lotion. Sometimes we have a pure ^ase 

 of leaking at the navel without rheumatism ; in this case, treat by 

 applying Monsell's solution of iron to the navel with a feather four 

 or five times a day until it stops leaking ; also keep the colt very 

 quiet and warm. 



WEAKNESS IN THE LEGS AND JOINTS OF A YOUNG FOAL. 

 Bandage the legs to support and strengthen them, and also 

 give them a good hand rubbing. If he is down and cannot get up, 

 raise him up four or five times a day to suck, and give him every 

 chance to strengthen his legs. 



CROOKEDNESS OF THE LEGS OF YOUNG FOALS. 



In some cases they will be over on the knees, w'hile in others 

 they will be crooked in the hind legs. 



Treatment. — Leave the foal alone; do not try to do anything 

 to the legs. Feed him well, and as he gets strong his legs will 

 straighten. 



DISTEMPER IN YOUNG FOALS. 



This is frequently met with in foals, and is fully dealt with in 

 " Distemper or Strangles." 



CHAPTER XI. 



CASTRATION, DISEASES AND TROUBLES 

 FOLLOWING IT. 



The best age to perform this operation is at one year old— 

 during the months of April and May, these being the safest months, 

 after the colt has been turned to pasture for eight or ten days and 

 is shedding his coat. 



PRECAUTIONS BEFORE OPERATING. 



Never operate on a colt unless he is in good condition and 

 healthy. See that he has no distemper or any such disease ; also 

 have good weather — not too hot or too cold — and avoid east 

 winds and damp weather. Have your hands and instruments 

 thoroughly clean, by washing them in warm water, a little soap 

 and a few drops of carbolic acid. If the horse is older than a year 

 old, it is best to feed very light the day before the operation so his 



