DISEASES OF THE FEET AND LEGS. 141 



simplest remedial means are the safest — viz., water- 

 dressing (page 160) in the first instance, and afterwards 

 chloride of zinc lotion (one grain to the ounce of water), 

 or glycerine. 



Broken Knees. — Most travellers on the road know 

 what style of thing this is, so it is needless to describe 

 it. 



In bad cases, where the bones are exposed, and there 

 is any appearance of synovia or joint -oil, place the 

 horse in the nearest convenient stable, and leave him 

 there to be attended to by a professional man as soon 

 as possible. When the abrasion is merely superficial, 

 take the animal quietly to his stable, if near. 



' In any event, wash the wound with warm water, 

 which, if it be at all deep, should be done by squeez- 

 ing the water above the wound, and allowing it to run 

 down, as this part of the leg is very delicate and sensi- 

 tive, and rough handling with a cloth or sponge should 

 be avoided. 



Afterwards apply a lotion of chloride of zinc, one 

 grain to the ounce of water. 



Tie the creature's head up in such a way as that he 

 cannot possibly lie down, until the healing process has 

 assumed sufficient health to render it safe to allow of 

 the knee being used in lying down and getting up. 



Give one or two mild purges, according to the time 

 he is laid up and the healthiness of the wound. To 

 promote the growth of hair, use, when the knee is per- 

 fectly healed, hog's lard mixed with very finely pow- 

 dered burnt leather to colour it ; it is as good and safe 

 a thing as can be employed for the purpose. Otherwise 

 use loeak mercurial ointment. For prevention, avoid 

 the use of bearing-reins in harness ; in shafts, keep the 



