DISEASES OF HORSES TREATMENT 177 



Stifled. 



The stifle or patella in a horse compares to the kneecap in man and is 

 held in place by the muscular tendons passing over the thigh bone. It acts 

 in keeping proper action between the joint bones. Often a horse slips, 

 wrenching the ligaments and muscles holding the patella which slips out of 

 place. Heavy pulling also dislocates it, especially in stumpy land. 



Symptoms. The horse in most cases drags the affected leg on its toe. 

 There is stiffness at the thigh joint. Horse will not back up. When led forward it 

 goes in jumps, dragging the injured leg. 



Treatment. If the dislocation is discovered immediately, a slap with 

 the line or whip will cause the bone to slip back into place. This is not ad- 

 vfoed, however, as it might chip or injure the lining surface of the bone. 

 Backing the horse up against a two foot bank will aid in the replacement. 

 Often the patella can be worked into place with the finger. Placing the 

 collar on the horse then tying a rope to the fetlock and running the rope 

 up through the collar makes a pulley effect which is used by many farmers in 

 treating a stifled horse. The affected leg is strapped forward until it heals. 

 After the bone is snapped back into place a paste of salt and eggs applied 

 to' the joint will contract the muscles and heal the ligaments in a very short 

 time. 



Stone Bruise. 



In traveling, many horses step on sharp stones or get a stone wedged 

 between the shoe and frog. The pressure is severe and causes lameness. 

 The animal may hobble on three legs. Pus forms and poisoning is liable 

 to develop. 



Treatment. Stone should be removed immediately. Shoe should be taken 

 off and the foot placed in cold water, to prevent inflammation. The wound 

 should be well cleaned and poulticed with oakum balls, turpentine, or kero- 

 sene oil. A blacksmith can pad the foot with oakum and a leather-soled 



shoe. 



Stomach Staggers. 



In this disease which results from improper digestion the circulatory 

 system of the horse may be affected. The large colon or stomach becomes 

 packed with unpassed feces. It gradually hardens until death comes. Dry 

 hay or stalks often develop impaction. 



Symptoms. Slight pains come on. The animal keeps its head low. ^ It 

 paws and walks around slowly. Lies down fully stretched out on its side 

 for from fifteen to twenty minutes. Tapping the sides brings solid, deadened 

 sound. The horse often trembles violently. 



Treatment. Immediate movement should be induced. A long hose should 

 be soaped or well oiled and run into the rectum, then warm soapy water 

 should, be gently injected. As this is a serious situation good care must be 

 used. A large cathartic of 1 ounce of powder barbardos, 2 drams calomel and 1 

 dram powdered nux vomica; or 1 pint linseed oil and 15 drops of croton oil, 



