BREAKING DOWN. 209 



of actual rupture of the ligamentous attachments to 

 the tendons. The treatment in either case should con- 

 sist of removing all corn, and giving a mild purging 

 ball, and applying lint compresses soaked in arnica and 

 water — one part of arnica to twelve of water — and 

 enveloped with oiled silk. A high-heeled shoe should 

 be fitted on the foot to prevent extension of the sheath 

 of the tendons. In about one month or six weeks, 

 when the inflammation has subsided, repeated blister- 

 ings with biniodide of mercury, or firing, must be re- 

 sorted to. The sheath of the tendons, however, will 

 always present an enlarged or bowed appearance. 



BREAKING DOWN, OR RUPTURE OF THE SUSPENSORY 

 LIGAMENTS. 



Rupture of the suspensory ligament rarely happens 

 to any but the racehorse or steeple-chaser ; and when 

 it does occur, the racing career of its victim is at 

 an end. 



It consists in a rupture of the suspensory ligament, 

 usually immediately above the fetlock joint, which 

 generally gives way so much as to reach the ground, 

 and causes such severe pain that the horse will hop 

 back to the stable on three legs as best he can. The 

 lotion recommended for the preceding injury should be 

 used until all inflammation has abated, when the leg 

 should be blistered with biniodide of mercury, and 

 fired in one month's time from the period of the 

 action of the blister. 



p 



