A SPRAIN OR STRAIN. 



217 



ing. Driving an animal in deep snow will produce it; also slip- 

 ping or starting rapidly. 



Treatment. — If treated immediately after the accident, cold 

 applications should be applied to the part, as ice water and 

 plumbi acetate in solution, etc. The thickened condition should 

 be removed by the tincture of iodine. If lameness be present, 

 fire. The animal should have rest, and a high-heeled shoe 

 should be applied. 



GENERAL TREATMENT OF LAMENESS. 



After making a correct diagnosis, the first step is to remove 

 the cause, if possible. Is^ext, the position of the limb demands 

 attention. If the animal stands flat on his foot, and his feet are 

 in good condition, all his shoes should be removed. But if the 

 feet be weak, they should be protected with light shoes. This 

 plan, of course, is only recommended where the patient will 

 have to lay up for some time. If the horse elevates the heel, he 

 must have a high-heeled shoe. If he throws his weight upon the 

 heels, a thin-heeled shoe should be used. When the parts are in 

 as complete a state of rest as possible, the effects of the primary 

 lesions are next to be attended to. 



First reduce the inflammation by hot or cold applications. It 

 is generally best to use cold a})})lieations first, and afterwards 

 warm applications. In all painful affections, warm fomentations 

 and poultices should be used. Eight drachms of aloes should be 

 given to assist in reducing inflammation, the diet properly regu- 

 lated and restricted to brand mashes, a little hay, and cool water. 

 After the acute signs of inflammation have subsided, if the 

 lameness still remains, countor-ii-ritnnts must be used. In cases 

 of some standing, when organic cliangcs in the parts involved 

 are suspected, a blister should l)e a])])]ie(l. The cantharides 

 blister is best in tendinous or mnsciilar wounds — one part of 

 cantharides powd. to seven parts of lard or ])alm oil. For bone 

 diseases, the mercurial ointment is tlie l)est — one part of red 

 mercury iodide to six or seven of lanl. In applying a blister, 



