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The Book of the Horse. 



generally being dragged along the ground, instead of being lifted bodily over it, by which 

 means the toe of the hind-shoe will be found to be worn unduly. Very many hocks are 

 formed with bones having an excessive protuberance, which is perfectly natural, and will be found 

 to exist equally on both hocks. Some of the soundest and best hunters have been thus formed ; 

 and, therefore, unless lameness exists at the time of examination in one or both of the hocks, 

 which are formed alike, it is most unjustifiable ignorance to reject the horse as unsound. 



"The treatment should consist of cooling diet, a dose of physic, and absolute rest for two or 

 three weeks ; when, it the spavin appears not to have increased, and if no inflammation exists 

 (which will be discovered by the horse going sound when led out), a second dose of physic may be 

 administered. When the horse has been reduced by mashes and green food or roots to a cool 

 state he may be fired ; after which a rest of at least three months must be allowed. If fired 

 while in high condition, frightful inflammation will follow, and needless blemishes." 



Ringbone consists of a morbid growth of bone round the circle of the coronet. It is 

 often hereditary, but results also from sprain of the pastern-joint and from concussion. Some- 

 times it is brought on by one horse in double harness stepping on another's coronet. Blistering 

 and firing are the usual remedies. 



Capped hock is an enlargement at the point of the hock, due to a dropsical condition of a 

 spurious bursa, situated immediately beneath the common integument. When recent, it is of a 

 soft, fluctuating character ; but if of long standing, it is frequently hard and unyielding. It is 

 produced by injury from external violence, commonly inflicted by striking the hock against the 

 wall, stall-post, or other hard substance when kicking, or by bruising the part when lying down. 

 It is very unsightly, but seldom causes lameness. 



This enlargement is frequently very difficult to remove, particularly if not at once placed 

 under treatment. The horse should be so placed as to prevent all chance of a repetition of the 

 injury. Purgative medicine should be given, and the swelling should be continuously fomented 

 until any unusual heat has subsided ; then, unless it has become considerably reduced in size, 

 repeated applications of the biniodide of mercury ointment, one part of the mercury to eight of 

 lard, should be applied. 



Capped elbow, a swelling of a similar nature to that last described, situated at the point of 

 the elbow, is also caused by bruise, but inflicted when the horse is recumbent, by the inner heel of 

 the shoe coming forcibly in contact with the part. In some instances this condition may be got 

 rid of by preventing a recurrence of the bruise and the adoption of cooling treatment; but more 

 frequently it is necessary either to lay open the tumour its whole length or remove it by excision. 

 Re-formation of this enlargement may be prevented by padding the heel of the foot. 



Szvelled Legs. — " Legs swelled in the stable, which go down after about two hours' exercise, 

 and return to their puffy condition after being in the stable a short time, are frequently caused 

 by over-work, under-feeding, over-physicking, and the use of those abominations, urine balls, of 

 which ignorant grooms are so passionately fond." 



Gentle exercise, no work, frequent bathing with tepid salt water, and the constant use of 

 flannel bandages properly put on, will, in nine cases out of ten, effect a cure without physic. If 

 any is to be given, let it be by the advice of a competent practitioner. 



AFFECTIONS OF THE FOOT. 

 Thrush is a very common malady of the horse's foot, more frequently seen in the hind than 

 the fore feet. It may be known by a fcetid discharge which proceeds from the cleft of the frog, and 

 by the ragged condition of the bone of the part that soon follows. Such is a simple case, and- <iiay 



