44 



If, after the inflammation is reduced, the parts remain large 

 and swollen, benefi.t will result from the apj)lication of tincture 

 of iodine, well rubbed in, twice a day. If this treatment fails to 

 restore the parts to their normal condition in a reasonable length 

 of time, a blister should ba applied. It is made as follows: Can- 

 tharides (powdered) 1 part, cosmoline 4 to 5 parts; or, cantharides 

 (powdered) 1 part, biniodide mercury 1 part, cosmoline 4 to 6 

 parts. 



Before applying either the blister or the iodine the hair should 

 be clipi:>ed from the parts to which the medicine is to be applied. 

 To 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 soap. After the blister has been removed 

 the animal can be untied. The parts should be kept clean and 

 free from scabs. 



Rest is necessary throughout the treatment, and even to test 

 his soundness the animal should not be moved more than is 

 necessary. 



BRUISES — CONTUSIONS. 



In the cavalry horse the most frequent bruise we find is that 

 condition known as saddle and cinch galls, and bruise of the 

 withers, caused by undue pressure of the saddle. 



Certain horses suffer more than others, depending on the pres- 

 ence of old sores, scars, or scabs, or on peculiarities in form inter- 

 fering with the fitting of the saddle. Among these may be 

 included abnormally high or low withers, flatness of the ribs, 

 keel-shaped breast and short sternum (breastbone), and disten- 

 sion of the abdomen, causing the cinch to slip backward or 

 forward. 



Old horses sometimes have the muscles in the saddle bed atro- 

 phied (wasted away), and are therefore more liable to contract 

 saddle galls. The mechanical cause of saddle galls may be 

 divided into three groups: First, unequal distribution of weight; 

 second, faults in saddling; third, errors in riding. 



Treatment. — To prevent the condition it is advisable to leave 

 the saddle on for one-half to one hour after dismounting, as where 



