72 The Ailments of Horses, 



" Old age and debility predispose towards 

 ft. The protruded })ortion requires 

 cleansing and then returning. 



Eupture of the rectum is not very un- 

 common in the mare. In her it has been 

 produced through false service, i.e., per 

 rectum. 



A vigorous vaginal copulation has been 

 said to have produced it, the pressure 

 being brought upon the upper vaginal 

 wall. 



Pain comes on shortly after service. 

 It appears to be always fatal. 



Ringbone. — This is a bony enlargement 

 upon the pastern-joint or a little above it. 

 The first seat of disease confers the title 

 of "low," and the second "high" ring- 

 bone. Both these can be detected, we 

 believe, with the aid of the X-rays, 

 though the usual method is by the sense 

 of touch, and, when large, by the sight. 

 As a rule, the ring of bone is incomplete. 



It is the result of an acute inflammation 

 of the covering of the bone and the bone 

 itself. 



Although ringbone may appear upon 

 the fore limbs, it is usually upon the 

 hind ones that we find it. 



Causes. — A blow in this region is 

 capable of setting up inflammation. 



Concussion is said to be a frequent 

 cause, whilst hereditary predisposition 

 still holds its sway. 



Lameness, when the inflammation is 

 progressing. 



Treatment. — Rest and the application 

 of ix bar shoe, JSome people fire the part. 



