294 SPRUNG OR BROKEN KNEES. 



was at one time called ring-bone, but the ring-bone of tlie 

 present day is quite a different disease. It arises from con- 

 cussion, and will rarely be found in any but contracted feet. 



The treatment in these cases is only palliative, as the dis- 

 ease cannot be eradicated by any course of medical treatment. 

 The first endeavor should be to expand the heels by applying 

 poultices to the feet, together with the hoof ointment. 



WIND GALLS. 



Wind galls are puffy swellings about the joints, found above 

 the fetlock on both the hind and fore legs. They are techni- 

 cally known as bursal enlargements, that is, a distended con- 

 dition of the hursce or synovial sacs, which contain the 

 synovia, or joint oil. The animal suffers no inconvenience, 

 apparently, from their presence upon his limbs, they evidently 

 causing no pain. 



It is seldom that any treatment is resorted to, except in the 

 case of a very valuable animal. Blisters are commonly ap- 

 plied, but they are not attended with any permanent benefit. 

 The application of cold water and compresses, secured by 

 means of bandaging the legs, has proven the most efQcaelous. 



SPRUNa OR BROKEN" KNEES. 



This trouble does not always result from an injury of the 

 leg, or strain of the tendons ; it is more often found in horsea 

 that have bad corns in the feet, or troubled with naviculai: 

 disease, than in any others. The animal raising his heels ta 

 prevent pressure upon the tender parts, bends the knee, which 

 bending becomes finally, from the altered position of the limb^ 



