370 CYCLOPEDIA OF LIVK STOCK /iND COMPLETE STOCK DOCTOR. 



How to know it. — Sprain of the back is diagnosed by pressing the 

 thumb and finger along the spines, and by throwing the weight suddenly 

 on the tender spot, when pain will be evinec^d. 



What to do. — The treatment consists in clii)ping off the hair along the 

 back, and rubbing in well the blister, No. D. Oil the blister once a day 

 afterwards. Repeat it if necessary after a couple of weeks. Give a long 

 rest and a run at pasture. 



VIII. Broken Kibs. 



Causes. — The ribs are often broken by falling, colliding with trees, 

 walls, etc., while running away, kicks from other horses, etc. If dis- 

 placement occurs, the ends are apt to puncture the pleura (the mem- 

 l)rane that lines the chest and covers the lungs), and the lungs ; in either 

 case the effects may be very serious, from hemorrhage and inflammation 

 in the parts wounded. 



How to know it. — If there is no displacement there will be no external 

 alteration in the l)ody, and the diagnosis must be based upon rapid 

 breathing, the breath being cool, and effort to raise the flanks forming a 

 (Tease along the sides of the belly to avoid working the ribs in breathing, 

 unwillingness to move, and upon the horse persistently remaining 

 standing. 



If displacement takes place there will be either a bulging in or out, 

 according to whether the ends are tipped in or out, but they are usually 

 tipped in, leaving a hollow over the fracture, and puncturing the pleura, 

 in which case there will be, in addition to the symptoms above mentioned, 

 more evidences of pain and some bleeding from the nose, loss of appetite 

 for a day or two, and more or less fever, according to the amount of 

 injury done to the chest and its contents. 



What to do. — After moving the horse as carefully as possible to his 

 loose box, apply a bandage with surcingles directly over the fracture, and 

 draw them middling tight, to prevent working of the ribs. Then watch 

 the symptoms, and treat them as they arise, to subdue fever, stop hemor- 

 rhage, etc. The fever is best kept under control with the following mix- 

 ture : 



No. 30. 1 Drachm tincture aconite root, 



2 Drachms fluid extract belladonna, 

 Water to make four ounces 

 Mix. 



Give a teaspoonfuU every two hours, if there is much fever, till it is 

 reduced. Feed on soft feed. Give perfect quiet till the horse is willini' 

 and able to take gentle exercise, which will be in four or five weeks. Two 

 months should elapse before the horse is put to work. 



