49 



a high-actioned horse, above the knee. It comes under the class of 

 contused, or bruised wounds, and is caused by the horse striking the 

 inside of one fore leg with the opposite foot ; very careful shoeing is 

 required, while the damaged part should be treated as under contused 

 wounds. (Sec Par. 132.) 



151. Brushing and Cutting may be classed under the same 

 heading as Speedy Cut, being caused by one foot striking the fetlock 

 of the opposite leg ; both fore and hind fetlocks are liable to the injury, 

 but the hind ones more frequently than the fore. The causes vary, 

 sometimes it is the outer rim of the inner web of the shoe that 

 brushes or cuts the joint, in other cases the toe or inner quarter of the 

 hoof itself, is at fault. {See Par. 178, No. 9.) 



152. Sprain of the Tendons or Back Sinews and their sheaths, 

 may be said to be laceration of the tendinous fibres, causing heat and a 

 painful swelling. This usually occurs below the knee, just where 

 the inferior check ligament joins the tendon; [see Plate IX. No. 18, 

 also Plate XI. Fig. E.) but any portion of the latter is liable to 

 lesions, and it is most frequently seen in the fore leg, specially in cart 

 horses, having heavy loads to pull up steep hills. High-heeled and 

 high-toed shoes may have something to do with causing it ; while, 

 as other sources, we have slipping on ice, over-reaching in jumping, Sec. 

 The animal steps short, and rests the limb whenever it has a chance. 

 On examining the leg, the damaged part is readily felt. The most 

 essential point towards recovery, in such cases, is entire rest from 

 work ; but this rule is " more honoured in the breach than in the 

 observance,'' and the poor brute is frequently kept at work till repair 

 is hopeless. First, then, as already said, entire rest is necessary ; 

 next, the application of a cold water bandage. The shoe must be 

 removed, and the heel slightly elevated, so as to act as a support to 

 the part ; or the following, as recommended by Captain M. H. Hayes, 

 F.R.C.V.S., may be tried — " A good ply of cotton wadding to be 

 wrapped loosely round the part, and held in its place by a long calico 

 bandage rolled firmly round the leg, to be taken off and re-wrapped once 

 every 24 hours." After the active symptoms have abated, blistering 



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