43 



become more or less swollen, sometimes extending from the knee 

 down to and even involving tlie fetlock itself. It is always char- 

 acterized by heat and is variously sensitive, ranging from a mere 

 tenderness to a degree of soreness which shrinks from the lightest 

 touch. The degree of lameness corresponds to the severity of the 

 injury. 



CURB. 



The calcaneo-cuboid ligament, situated at the back part of the 

 hock, uniting the calcaneum, the cuboid, and the external splint 

 bones, is frequently sprained. This condition is known as a 

 "curb." 



The various ligaments entering into the formation of joints are 

 subject to sprains and injuries. This condition is indicated by 

 lameness, accompanied by pain, heat, and swelling. 



In dislocation of the patella (stifle bone) the ligaments holding 

 it in position are severely stretched and in some cases sprained or 

 ruptured. The capsular ligament when sprained very often 

 becomes weakened, resulting in distension of the synovial sac. 

 These enlargements receive different names, according to theii* 

 location. 



Treatment. — Perfect rest is absolutely necessary and must not 

 be overlooked in the treatment of all sprains; therefore the 

 injured animal should be at once removed to a level stall where 

 it can remain until recovery has taken place. In connection with 

 rest, hot or cold applications should be applied to the injured 

 parts. These applications should be in the form of fomentations 

 (bathing) , or bandages saturated with water. They must not be 

 allowed to dry while in contact with the injured parts, as a flan- 

 nel bandage applied wet shrinks in drying, and will not only 

 retard the reparative process, but cause unnecessary pain. Cold 

 water is often materially assisted in accomplishing the desired 

 results by the addition of acetate of lead or sulphate of zinc, 

 witch-hazel, or nitrate of potash. A convenient solution is made 

 as follows: Acetate of lead and sulphate of zinc, each 1% ounces; 

 water, 1 quart; or, i pint of witch-hazel, 1 ounce of acetate of 

 lead, and water enough to make 1 quart. If pain is very severe 

 the following may be used: Tincture opium, 4 ounces; acetate of 

 lead, 2 ounces; water to make 1 quart. This application is of 

 more benefit when applied warm. Such applications should be 

 used several times daily. 



