The Ailments of Horses. . 45 



is denoted by swelling, heat, and, if the 

 horse is down, inability to rise will very 

 likely be present. 



Usually there is considerable systemic 

 disturbance, demanding early treatment. 



Treatment. — -Let us suppose that the 

 joint has just been opened and that it is 

 the hock. What are we to do ? 



Put the horse in slings at once. 



Apply cold-water fomentations (see 

 these latter) to the joint, and at the end 

 of each act lay on a pad soaked in oil of 

 cloves. Put a bandage and tow tightly 

 over the whole. Do not interfere with 

 the wound for three or four days. It is 

 an excellent plan to cover the pad — 

 soaked in the oil of cloves— with iodofoim 

 gauze. A x^hysic ball — not exceeding 

 four drachms — may be administered. 



It is very important not to tamper with 

 the wound, because this would reopen 

 the joint if it be healing. Again, care 

 must be exercised in order to guard 

 against infecting the wound. 



Supposing that the injury is not a 

 recent one, and that the joint-lubricant 

 has been flowing out for some time ? 

 Under these circumstances, we think that 

 the best plan is that of applying a smart 

 cantharides blister over the swollen joint 

 and all around the sore. 



This treatment excites a more vigorous 

 inflammation, whilst the increased swelling 

 closes the wound. 



Stiff joints.— The joints — particularly 

 the knee and hock — may become sealed 

 by deposition of bony matter around their 



