224 THE VETERINARY SCIENCE. 



TUMORS AND CANCERS. 

 They are very rare in the horse but are fully described in> 



tumors and cancers in cattle. 



CURB. 



This is rupture and enlargement of the ligament that runs 

 down the back part of the hock joint — this ligament receives the 

 name of calcaneocuboid ligament. 



Causes. — Horses that have crooked or curby legs are more 

 liable to this than horses with straight legs. It generally comes 

 on from a severe sprain by slipping while drawing or driving, or, 

 from rearing up or backing the animal forcibly with a heavy load 

 or in deep snow. 



Symptoms. — It is easily detected by looking at the hind leg 

 at the side, you will see the enlargement at the back of the hock, 

 or by running the hand down over the back of the hock joint you 

 can feel it. When the curb is first sprung on, the animal will be 

 lame, and, in travelling, he will step long, somewhat similar to 

 ringbone lameness. After the animal rests a day or two, and is 

 driven, at first, he will not be very lame, but after driving a while 

 he becomes very lame, and when allowed to stand he rests the leg 

 by standing on his toe and throwing the fetlock forward. After a 

 time the animal will get over the lameness if not treated, but the 

 enlargement will remain. 



Treatment. — Get the soreness and lameness out of the liga- 

 ment by bathing with luke warm water and salt twice a day, if in 

 winter, but if in summer cold water and salt ; after bathing rub 

 dry and apply the white liniment. When the soreness and swell- 

 ing is all out of the ligament, blister with the following to reduce 

 the thickening. 



Pulverized Cantharides or Spanish Fly 2 drams. 



Vaseline or Lard 1 ounce. 



Mix, and there will be enough in this to blister three times. 



Cut the hair off around the curb and rub one-third of the mixture 



in well, in three days grease and let it go for a couple of weeks, 



then wash the leg off with luke warm water and soap and blister 



again, then grease as before, repeat this blistering every three 



weeks until the enlargement is all gone. During the treatment 



do not work the animal, but if you must work him keep him well. 



shod so he will not slip. 



