CHAPTER XVII. 



TKEATMENT OF LAMENESS. 



REST POSITION OF THE LIMB — REMOVAL OF SHOES — HIGH-HEELED 



SHOE THIN-HEELED SHOE — HOT AND COLD FOMENTATIONS — 



LOCAL BLEEDING — PURGATIVES — COUNTER-IRRITANTS — BLIS- 

 TERS — SETONS ACTUAL CAUTERY — THEORY OF THEIR ACTION. 



Before describing the diseases of the feet, which are so 

 numerous and important as to require special consideration, I 

 will endeavour to give a brief description of the treatment of 

 lameness. The first and most important necessity in this matter 

 is to form a correct diagnosis ; without this all is hap-hazard, 

 and calculated to do much harm. The next step is the removal 

 of the cause, if that be possible, and of every circumstance cal- 

 culated to aggravate the effect. After these things are attended 

 to, the position of the limb and foot demand attention, in order 

 that the patient's efforts to remove pressure and tension from 

 the seat of pain may be assisted. If a lame horse stands with 

 the foot of the lame limb flat upon the ground, that is to say, 

 touches the ground with both heel and toe, and if the feet are 

 strong and good, I am of opinion that all his shoes should be 

 removed, in order that he may stand upon his feet, and be 

 able to poise his body in nature's way. But if his feet are bad 

 and weak, they must be protected by light plain shoes. Trifling 

 cases of lameness, where in all probability recovery will take 

 place in a few days, are exceptions to this method; but in all 

 instances where it is likely the patient wiU require a period of 

 rest, the plan is to be higlily commended. 



If, however, the horse is inclined to elevate the heel, to stand 

 on his toe — the posture indicating that parts are thus relieved 

 and pain diminished — he must be encouraged in tliis by having 

 a patten or high-heeled shoe applied. This will, in many in- 



