SVVELLED-LEGS. 27>i 



THE HIND-LEG 



The construction of the hind-leg, and the injuries U which it is subjeiit. 

 are so similar to those of the fore-leg, that we shall content oiirselves with 

 referring to our description of them given at page 243, only observing that 

 the shank-bone is longer than that of the fore-leg ; the outer spl'int-bone is 

 considerably larger than the inner one, and the pasterns are longer than 

 those of the fore-leg, and less oblique. 



On tiie back part of the leg (f, page 262), are sometimes excrescences 

 called by farriers rat-tails, from the appearance they give the hair. They 

 will generally yield to the mild mercurial ointment, but in very bad cases it 

 may be necessary to remove them with a knife. 



Before we quit the legs, we must notice two very frequent and very 

 troublesome diseases. The first is 



SWELLED-LEGS. 



The fore-legs are sometimes subject to considerable enlargement, but 

 much oftener the hind ones. Occasionally when the horse does not seem 

 to labour under any other disease, and sometimes from apparent shifting of 

 inflammation from other parts, (inflammation of the lungs or the eye not 

 unfrequently thus changes its seat,) the hind-legs suddenly swell to an 

 enormous degree from the hock, and almost from the stifle to tiie fetlock, 

 attended by heat, and extreme tenderness of the skin, and excessive and 

 very peculiar lameness. The pulse likewise becomes quick and hard, and 

 the horse evidently labours under considerable fever. It is acute inflam- 

 mation of the cellular substance of the legs, and that most sudden in its 

 attack, most violent in its degree, and therefore attended by the pouring out 

 of a great deal of fluid, in this cellular substance. It occurs in young 

 horses, and in those which are over-fed and little exercised, without previ- 

 ous inflammation in any other part. Fomentation, diuretics, or physic, or, 

 if there be much fever, a moderate bleeding, will often relieve the distension 

 almost as suddenly as it appeared. 



The kind of swelled-legs most frequent of occurrence, and most trou. 

 blesome, is of a different nature, or rather it is so various in its kind and 

 causes, and consequences and mode of treatment, that it deserves attentive 

 consideration. One principle, however, will guide us to a right opinion and 

 treatment of it: that it is produced either by actuator comparative debility 

 or loss of power in the part attacked. Horses seemingly in perfect health, 

 and with a full allowance of food, if suffered to remain several days without 

 exercise, will have swelled-legs. The arterial capillary vessels have con- 

 veyed a great deal of fluid to the extremities; from over-feeding and want 

 of muscular exertion and the perspiration connected with it, the fluids have 

 accumulated, and are lodging in the extremities, because the vessels have 

 not power to return them. The heart is acting upon an additional quantity 

 of fluid, while, by want of exercise, the limbs are deprived of the principal 

 power by which the fluids are returned ; for the blood is materially assisted 

 in its return through the veins by the action of the muscles, and the 

 absorbents are roused to action by the exercise and motion of the different 

 parts. The cure, therefore, is sufficiently plain; by physic or diuretics, 

 the quantity of the fluid is lessened, and by exertion increasing the perspi- 

 ration, it is likewise diminished, and, what is nf.ore important, both the veins 

 and the absorbents are assisted in their actioa 



