DISEASES OF THE MUSCLES AND TENDONS. 185 



large as a pipe- stem. The tendon continues to swell until 

 there is no longer room to contain it under the shoulder- 

 blade, when it is forced out and forms a large, ugly tumor. 

 ISTeglect presently develops a deep and dangerous abscess, 

 which finally breaks, and, discharging immense quantities 

 of matter, becomes a most loathsome sore, which runs for 

 months, or it may be even for years. From the constant 

 infusion of poison from the tumor, the blood becomes thick 

 and black, the circulation sluggish, and the pulse very full. 

 The horse constantly grows thinner and weaker. Fever is 

 wearing his life away, and death, at last, mercifully ends his 

 sufterings. 



Sometimes the inflammation extends to the other side of 

 the shoulder, and caries of the cartilages and points of the 

 shoulder takes place. The tissues are destroyed, from which 

 follows a sinking away and dreadful disfigurement. These 

 remain permanent, so that, even if the animal is cured, the 

 horse-dealer condemns him as crestfallen the moment he 

 appears in sight. Few ever arrive at this stage, however, 

 and fewer still ever recover. As the disease was formerly 

 treated, a cure was exceedingly difiicult, and the process was, 

 at best, a very tedious and troublesome one. The expression 

 was often heard that it was " worth more than the horse to 

 cure him." 



TREATMENT. 



Two remedies are recommended, to be used at different 

 stages of the disease. When fistula is discovered, and up to 

 the time that matter begins to form, the corrosive liniment 

 will be found very effectual. It should be applied with a 

 little mop every morning, and if, in the course of ten or 

 twelve days, the swelling has not subsided, the May-apple 

 liniment should be used, as prescribed below. The former 

 will usually answer every purpose at this stage, and, in 

 addition to acting very quickly, has the advantage of being 

 less unpleasant and more easily employed. 



If the fistula has been coming on for a considerable time. 



