WOUNDS, SPRAINS, BRUISES, ABRASIONS, AND ABSCESSES. 55 



obtain the best results from the blister it should be well rubbed in 

 for at least fifteen minutes. The animal must be tied in such a 

 manner that he can not reach the blistered part with his mouth; the 

 blister should be left on for a period of twenty-four to forty-eight 

 hours; it must then be removed by washing with warm water and 

 castile soap. After the blister has been removed the animal may be 

 untied. The parts should be kept clean, free from scabs, and soft 

 from the use of cosmoline, olive oil, or glycerin. 



Rest is necessary throughout the treatment, and even to test his 

 soundness the animal should not be moved more than is necessary. 



If the disease does not yield to blisters, the parts must be fired. 

 For this operation, two kinds of instruments are used: The thermo- 

 cautery, which generates its own heat, and the more common form, 

 the iron heated in the fire. Two methods of firing are in general use: 

 Line firing, for diseases of the tendons, ligaments, etc. (Plate X, 

 Fig. 4), and puncture firing, for diseases of the bone (Chapter XI). 



BRUISES. 



In the cavalry horse the most frequent bruises are saddle and 

 cinch galls, and bruises of the withers. 



Certain horses suffer more than others, on account of the presence 

 of old sores, scars, or scabs, or because of peculiarities in conformation. 



The principal defects in conformation (previously noted) are: 

 Abnormally high or abnormally low and thick withers; the keel- 

 shaped breast, accompanied by flat ribs and light flanks, and the 

 broad or bulging barrel. 



Old horses sometimes have the muscles in the saddle bed atrophied, 

 and are therefore more liable to contract saddle galls. 



All horses, whatever their conformation, are subject to saddle and 

 cinch galls, produced mechanically by three causes: First, unequal 

 distribution of weight; second, faults in saddling and cinching; 

 third, poor riding. 



After a long ride, the blood vessels under the saddle and cinch are 

 compressed and almost empty. If it is suspected that saddle or 

 cinch galls may have been formed, it is advisable to leave the saddle 

 on for a half hour to an hour after dismounting; the cinch should be 

 loosened very slightly. 



If pressure be suddenly and completely removed, blood is vigor- 

 ously forced into the paralyzed vessels, and may rupture their walls. 

 On the other hand, if the saddle is allowed to remain some time in 

 position, circulation is gradually restored without injury. 



Treatment. — As soon as a swelling is noticed, application of cold in 

 the form of pads kept saturated with cold water and massage in the 

 form of gentle stroking with the fingers will aid in the absorption of 

 the fluids causing the swelling. 



