372 Care of the Colt in Training 



the animal as quiet as possible. While in some parts 

 a certain degree of motion cannot be avoided, an 

 endeavor should be made to lessen it to the mini- 

 mum. In some cases the colt will have to be tied 

 up to prevent his moving, while in others it will 

 be necessary to place a cradle about his neck to 

 prevent him from gnawing the wound with his 

 teeth (p. 308). 



Sprains. — In training the colt, sprains of the 

 muscles, tendons and ligaments are of rather com- 

 mon occurrence. Severe lameness usually comes 

 on suddenly soon after the injury. The joint be- 

 comes inflamed, swollen and tender, and is often 

 moved with much difficulty. The animal should 

 be kept quiet on a level floor. Hot or cold appli- 

 cations should be applied to the parts ; hot water 

 if there is severe pain, to soften, sooth and relax 

 the parts, and cold applications in the form of water 

 or bags of ice, if there is inflammation. If the pain 

 is severe, a warm application of one quart of water 

 with four ounces tincture of opium and two ounces 

 of acetate of lead added, made several times daily, 

 will prove beneficial. If the parts remain large 

 and swollen after the inflammation is reduced, tinc- 

 ture of iodine should be rubbed in twice daily. 

 If this fails to reduce the part, try a light bhster. 

 A part that has been severely sprained should 

 have a long period of rest, as complete recovery 

 from a sprain is a very slow process. 



