DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 293 



21. Hip Joint Lameness. 



This is a sprain of the round ligament in the hip joint. 



Causes. — Hip joint lameness is also the result of an 

 accident such as stepping on a small round stone which sud- 

 denly turns and throws the leg forward, falling or slipping on 

 the ice, or in fact any sort of accident that may cause a severe 

 strain upon the ligaments in the joint. 



Symptoms. — The horse steps short on the affected side, 

 and in trotting he goes kind of three-cornered. Every time 

 he raises his leg the hip raises with it, showing that he is 

 trying to keep the hip quiet. He also flinches when pressure 

 is applied to the hip joint. If the disease is allowed to run 

 on for some time there is a wasting of the muscles around the 

 part. 



Treatment. — If a long standing case, and the joint is 

 diseased, it is incurable, but if taken in time it may be cured 

 by keeping him quiet and bathing the parts well with luke- 

 warm water and salt twice a day. After bathing, each time, 

 wipe dry and apply the white liniment. Continue this treat- 

 ment until the soreness and swelling disappears, then blister 

 with the following: 



Pulverized Cantharides or Spanish Fly \y 2 drams. 



Vaseline or Lard 1 ounce. 



Mix well and there is enough to blister the hip three 

 times. Each time rub the blister in well, allow it to remain 

 for three days, then grease with lard. In three or four weeks, 

 blister again and repeat the blister in this way until the 

 lameness disappears. 



22. Sprain of the Muscles of the Hip. 



Causes. — This is more commonly met with than hip joint 

 lameness. A sudden slip while pulling heavily or pulling a 

 driver suddenly may be sufficient to account for a sprain of 

 the muscles of the hip. 



Symptoms. — There is swelling and soreness of the 

 muscles. This condition may be more easily detected when 

 standing behind the animal. There is also a great difficulty 

 in bringing the leg forward. 



Treatment. — Keep the animal quiet; bathe well with 

 lukewarm water and salt two or three times a day ; after 

 bathing, wipe dry and rub the parts well with white liniment. 

 Continue this treatment until the animal is better. 



