110 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



relieve pain, excitement, and fever. Take hold of the 

 broken leg carefully, and place it in a position as near like 

 the other leg as possible, not only in shape, but in actual 

 length by measurement, for it is the neglect of this that 

 some legs are left shorter and some longer after fractures. 

 The whole position of the leg being got at, apply a good 

 coating of tar to the leg, around, above, and below the 

 point of fracture. Then wrap the whole leg in oakum, 

 coarse tow, or carded cotton. Over this, place broad pieces 

 of boards, like shingles, on the sides and front of the leg, 

 and fill all unevenness with the tow or cotton, so the splint 

 or boards will lay flat on the leg. Secure the whole by 

 careful tying with broad strings or soft cords. The great 

 secret in the successful treatment of simple fractures of the 

 bones of the legs, is the fixing of the leg, so it cannot move 

 until they have united. Feed the horse well, and see 

 every day that the splints on the legs are not loose. Xever 

 sling a horse from his feet in cases of fracture, for it will 

 be regretted. If the horse is to be kept in a stall, make a 

 hole in the floor of the stall, underneath the foot of the 

 broken leg, so that he can stand with the leg at full length. 

 Bear in mind, no horse will put his foot to the ground till 

 he is able to do so; therefore, leave everything to the 

 broken-legged, except the matter of securing the broken 

 bones in their place. And by giving him his feed, he may 

 be safely left to himself, and nature will do the rest 

 for him. 



Fracture of the Hip or Pelvis. — Symptoms. The 

 horse is extremely down in one of the hips, with a peculiar 

 loose motion of the hind leg, almost giving way every step 

 the horse makes. There are no diseases this can be 

 mistaken for in the hind leg or hip. This fracture is pro- 

 duced in a moment; and even whilst the horse is trotting, 



