DISEASES- AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 307 



Grease the third day after each blister. Should it be neces- 

 sary to use the animal, bathe the parts once a day with cold 

 water and salt; rub dry and apply the acid liniment every 

 third day after bathing-. The acid liniment is also good when 

 used in this way for bog spavins and thoroughpins when 

 necessary to work the horse. 



28. Sprain of the Hock Joint. 



Symptoms. — The horse is very lame and he does not use 

 the hock properly in bringing the leg forward. There is 

 swelling and heat around the joint. 



Treatment. — Bathe well with hot or cold water, accord- 

 ing to the season of the year. After bathing, each time wipe 

 dry and apply the white liniment. Bathe twice a day and 

 keep the horse quiet. 



29. Fracture of the Bones of the Hock. 



Fractures of these bones do not occur very often. 



Symptoms. — The animal is very lame, and holds the leg 

 up because of the pain. The joint becomes swollen and very 

 sore to touch. By working the joint the grating sound made 

 by the broken bones may be heard. 



Treatment. — If a very bad fracture, destroy the horse, 

 but if not, and a young animal, keep him quiet and bathe 

 well with lukewarm water and salt three or four times a day. 

 After bathing, rub dry and apply the white liniment; this 

 keeps down the inflammation and swelling. It is always 

 best in treating any kind of fracture to keep the animal in 

 slings, but do not sling him entirely off his feet, just enough 

 to ease the weight off his legs. After a few weeks the bones 

 become united, but there will be lameness and soreness in 

 the joint. This is best relieved by blistering with 



Pulverized Cantharides or Spanish Fly 1 dram. 



Biniodide of Mercury 1 dram. 



Vaseline or Lard 1 ounce. 



Mix thoroughly and there is enough to blister twice. Rub 

 a little in on each side of the joint, rub it in well, grease the 

 third day and allow it to remain for three or four weeks; 

 then blister as before. Let the animal have a good rest by 

 turning him out to pasture. 



