DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 249 



but when put to a trot the horse shows lameness 

 and may raise and lower his head. 



If taken in time, a spHnt can be cured. The first 

 thing to do with an animal suffering from a splint 

 is to give the animal rest and place in such quar- 

 ters where there is a soft floor, preferably the 

 ground, and when so quartered one very frequently 

 effects a complete cure. The application of cold 

 water bandages acts well. If treatment of this sort 

 fails, apply a blister of red iodide of mercury, i 

 tablespoonful to 2 tablespoonfuls of lard. This 

 blister should be applied with rubbing every day 

 from two to four days, or until the area is well 

 blistered. Then wait until the little scabs fall off, 

 and if the animal is still lame, repeat the application 

 of this blister. To apply the blister, clip off the 

 hair over the enlargement and wash with vinegar 

 to remove grease, then rub in blister with ends of 

 fingers. Keep the animals tied short for two to 

 four days in order to prevent rubbing or biting the 

 leg. Four days after the last application of blister, 

 wash carefully with warm water and soap and over 

 it apply every day or so a little lard, to prevent dry- 

 ing and also to loosen the scabs. 



SPRAINS. — Injuries to the ligaments of joints, 

 tendons, or muscles. They are caused by violence, 

 as twisting, or from over-exertion ; also sprains are 

 often the result of overwork. If an animal is 

 worked until tired or exhausted he is unable to use 

 the proper muscle force, and more strain has to be 

 borne by the ligaments, resulting in sprains, which 

 often occur in young horses or even in old horses, 

 when put to work after long periods of rest. 

 Swelling, heat, soreness, and partial or complete 

 loss of the use of the part, which is shown by the 

 degree of lameness, characterize the disorder. 



