334 ANIMAL MANAGEMENT. 



this becomes loose it shows that the swelling is reduced and should be 

 replaced. It is a simple and effective way of treating sprains when 

 taken early and properly applied, but any treatment of severe sprains 

 necessitates long rest from work. 



Animals in co7iditioii are much less liable to all classes of sprain than 

 those not fit. 



Cracked Cracked heels and mud fever occur in the horse and mule from 



heels and the skin of the heel or belly being " chapped." The surface is 



mud fever, j^^^ ^^j^^ painful and a greasy discharge exudes from it (greasy heels). 

 When severe the animal is frequently very lame, especially on first 

 moving. The causes are washing and not thoroughly drying the legs, 

 and sometimes constant standing in wet sloppy standings, in which case 

 sores may frequently be found on the bulbs of the heel in addition. 

 Treatmejit. — Thoroughly cleanse and dry the skin — if the greasy 

 discharge is abundant, poultice with dry bran — apply boric powder or 

 boric vaseline or any other non-irritating antiseptic, and place a pad 

 of tow and a bandage lightly over. Give exercise regularly to keep the 

 skin supple whilst the cracks are healing. These injuries are preventable 

 in the great majority of cases. 



Tail Tail sloughing is frequent among camels and sometimes elephants. 



sloughing. In the former the practice of tying the leading rope of the animal 

 behind to the tail of the one in front is responsible for the injury, 

 as the pressure is very severe whenever the hinder one lags. Any 

 having this injury should be placed at the rear of the line and the 

 wound treated antiseptically. 



Hip down. Hip dowii^ fracture of the point of the hips, may occur from animals 

 falling sideways when playing with their neighbours in the lines. It 

 may be detected by standing behind, when the injured hip looks rounder 

 than its fellow. Such cases may be lame for a considerable time, and 

 should be kept standing up until sound to prevent any split pieces of 

 bone from becoming separated by the effort of rising and lying down. 

 They usually make good recoveries, and the slighter cases may only be 

 sick a short time. It is, of course, safer when practicable to give ihem 

 all a long rest. 



Stifle slip. Stifle slip, dislocation of the stifle cap, may occur in the horse, mule 



and camel from slipping, straining on heel ropes or when struggling to 

 pull a load. It is not common in the service, as it most frequently 

 occurs among very young animals or those out of condition. The leg is 

 dragged behind with the front of the foot on the ground and cannot be 

 bent or brought forward ; there is an enlargement on the outside of 

 the stifle caused by the displaced bone. Treatment.— VmX a rope round 



