184 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



treated antiseptically, with salines internally. For a list 

 of antiseptics and salines, see pages 31 and 3G respectively. 



LACERATED KNEE 



Is usually a much more serious injury than a contused 

 or bruised knee, for it may penetrate to and even ex- 

 pose the knee joint. The extent or depth of the wound 

 is a matter of great importance, for the treatment must 

 be regulated by it. The healing of the wound requires 

 time and patience, for the part is much used and the 

 skin thereby stretched. 



The accident is usually the result of tenderness and 

 lameness of the fore legs, tripping, cutting, and unequal 

 action, rough roads and pavements, rolling stones, &c. 



The scar left is sometimes quite a blemish. Ordinary 

 scars may be removed by blistering the part, first shav- 

 ing off the hair. 



Remedy. — Cleanse the part thoroughly with warm wa- 

 ter and allay inflammation by fomentation. Use a cradle 

 for a few days to prevent the part from being bitten. If 

 the knee does not heal kindly, apply lotions or poultices. 

 After this dress with tincture of benzoin or compound 

 tincture of myrrh. Toward the end, a solution of blue 

 vitriol may be needed. In place of the two last, after 

 poulticing, sprinkle daily with a powder of flour and 

 alum. In some cases it may be advisable to stitch the 

 skin together. Quiet. Sling if necessary. 



OPEN KNEE AND OTHER JOINTS. 



A joint must be penetrated to constitute this injury, 

 but even if it is not penetrated, it is often opened by 

 sloughing. It is a very serious matter, for the joint oil 

 (synovia) often escapes, causing a stiff joint (anchylosis). 

 The discharge of oil, however, does not necessarily indi- 

 cate opened joint, for the sheaths of the tendons contain 

 an oil precisely like joint oil. Tetanus (commonly called 



