DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 273 



ment until the inflammation and soreness disappears from the 

 splint, then blister to remove the enlargement. Use 



Vaseline or Lard 1 ounce. 



Biniodide of Mercury 1 dram. 



Powdered Cantharides or Spanish Fly 1 dram. 



Mix thoroughly and there is enough to blister an ordin- 

 ary splint three times. If there is much hair on the splint clip 

 it off and apply one-third of the blister. The more you rub 

 it in the better it acts. Tie his head a little short for a few 

 hours so that he cannot bite the blistered part. In three days 

 grease with vaseline or lard. Three weeks after blister again, 

 and follow the same directions as before. If not all gone, 

 blister the third time, after a lapse of two or three weeks 

 more. 



3. Sore Shins. 



This is an inflammation of the covering of the shin or 

 metacarpal bones and nearly always affects the front legs, but 

 sometimes affects the shin or metatarsus bones in the hind 

 legs. It is more common in some parts of the country, and 

 generally occurs in young race or trotting horses that are put 

 to severe exertion. 



Causes. — Sore shins may be caused by any condition that 

 may set up inflammation in the covering of the shin bones, 

 such as hard and continuous driving of young race horses in 

 training, continuous, steady strain upon the legs, striking the 

 shins against anything or working a colt hard after ,being in 

 pasture and not used to hard work. 



Symptoms. — These are easily noted. There is a marked 

 lameness at first. The parts affected are very sensitive and 

 hot, as indicated by his flinching and action when the parts 

 are pressed with the hand. When trotting his head drops, as 

 outlined in the previous section. Should this condition be 

 neglected it is soon followed by a thickening of the inflamed 

 portions. 



Treatment. — Give the animal as much rest as possible. 

 If in the summer, bathe with cold water and salt. If in the 

 winter, bathe with warm water and salt. After bathing twice 

 a day, rub dry and apply white liniment. When the soreness 

 and inflammation disappear, blister to take clown the enlarge- 

 ment. Use the same blister and follow the same directions as 

 is given in the treatment of splints. 



