198 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



shonkler-joint is involved. A much more serious affair 



than simr^lc fihoulder sprain is the result. 



Shoulder lameness is common to young horses "svhen 

 ploughing in the furroAV. 



Symptonis. Tlie absence of heat ; tenderness, and swelhng 

 in any other part of the leg or foot. Always find out 

 with certainty where there is no lameness and the situation 

 of lameness will very soon be apparent. Negative and 

 positive symptoms should always be well considered before 

 coming to a final conclusion, as by doing so the situation 

 or trouble is so narrowed down that a mistake can scarcely 

 occur. Shoulder lameness, however, is known by the horse 

 stepping longer Avith the lame leg, and shorter with the 

 sound one ; and, excepting in very severe cases, the horse 

 will not only point the leg out from the body, but carry it 

 also to the side of the body. Now, in most sprains and 

 diseases in the foot, the leg will be pointed straight out 

 without any side position. Take the leg which is lame by 

 the pastern, and gently carry, or pull it straight out from 

 the body of the horse in front, and gently also to the out- 

 side ; if it be shoulder lameness, the horse v/ill not only 

 show evidences of pain, but will in many cases, depending 

 upon the spirit and animatfon of the horse, get up from the 

 ground with the sound leg and endeavor to v/rest the lame 

 lc2: from you. 



In very severe cases, when occurring from a bruise, the 

 horse will stand on his toe, which is evidence of contusion 

 of the shoulder. 



Treatment. Absolute and entire rest, warm water cloths 

 applied for two days, followed by cold water cloths, in the. 

 same Avav, and for as many days. Then a slisrht blister of 

 the Spanish fly may be rubbed into the skin of the shoulder,* 

 taking care that none of it is put on at the situation of the 



