328 ANIMAL MANAGEMENT. 



this be punctured, an " open joint" results, and the escaping joint oil may 

 be found running from the wound and clotting in a thick yellowish white 

 mass below it. This is a very serious condition, and is best relieved by a 

 constant stream of cold water, or, better, bichloride of mercury lotion 

 I — 2,000, running over it. 



faggots. Maggots. — Occasionally, wounds get fly-blown and maggots rapidly 



appear. Such may be recognised by the angry appearance of the edges, 

 and if the bottom of the wound be carefully observed, movement of the 

 maggots or a little bubbling on the surface can be seen. Pick out all 

 that are visible and swab out the wound with a pledget of tow which 

 has been dipped in a disinfectant. Cover all wounds to keep off flies 

 when they are troublesome. 



.bscesses. Abscesses are collections of matter beneath the skin caused by germs ; 

 a boil is a familiar example. Whenever matter is forming there is 

 considerable inflammation of the parts around, which become more and 

 more swollen. The swelling gradually becomes pointed as the matter 

 presses its way through the skin, which ultimately gives way and the 

 abscess bursts. Treatment. — Foment or poultice continually to soften 

 the skin and allow the matter to press its way easily ; when pointed and 

 soft at the top the swelling may be opened. When opened, cease 

 fomenting and treat as an ordinary wound. 



calds and Scalds and burns are not common. In slight cases the surface skin 



urns. js raised in a blister, which, when broken, exposes a raw and very painful 

 surface. A mixture of equal parts of lime water and olive or linseed oil 

 will relieve the pain ; subsequently ordinary wound treatment. 



tings. Sti7igs from hornets and wasps are only of importance when tliey 



interfere with the saddlery, when, if possible, rest should be given till 

 the swelling subsides ; if this is not feasible, the saddle pad should be 

 chambered over the injury for a day or two. 



ontu- Contusions.^ bruises when the skin is unbroken, are not, as a rule, 



o"s. serious. On the legs, especially on the tendons, they may cause 



lameness ; fomentation will relieve the pain and probably enable the 

 animal to continue work, though the accompanying swelling may not 

 subside for some time. On the back, and in any position where they are 

 liable to be pressed on by the saddlery, they will rapidly become worse 

 unless relieved of the pressure, beyond which they will not require further 

 treatment than a cold water application, 



ractures. Fractures of the limbs among shod horses and mules are frequent, 

 and usually occur from the animal being kicked inside the arm and thigh 

 or on the cannon bone by the one next to or in front of it. In these 

 situations the bones are covered by skin only and are very liable to crack 



