68 



depending upon their situation. If quite clear of tlie suspensory 

 ligament, rub in the biniodide of mercury ointment every night 

 till the swelling of the skin is considerable, and then desist for a 

 few days, using wet bandages in the interval. If, however, they are 

 near th^i ligament, greater caution is required if the horse is to be 

 worked, as the application of any stimulant is very apt to create 

 inflammation, and consequent lameness. 



When the splint is very bad rub in the above ointment (Idr. to 

 loz. lard) every night till there is considerable discharge ; then stop 

 it and foment with hot water till the swelling caused by it has. 

 entirely abated, when re-apply the ointment, and proceed as before, 

 continuing this plan till the splint has disappeared. 



Again : Hogs lard loz., deuto-ioduret of mercur}^ l^dr. or 2dr. 

 The ointment may be made of different strengths depending upon 

 the nature of the case for which it is applied. The above is the 

 usual strength. The powder should be rubbed down on a plate 

 with half an ounce of mutton fat or hog's lard ; it will then be 

 ready for use. It is not always necessary to cut or shave away the 

 hair from the part to which it has to be applied, unless the hair is 

 very long. It is one of the properties of this unguent to cause a 

 rapid growth of hair. About two drachms of the ointment will 

 suffice for a space of three inches square, and it does not require so 

 much friction in its application as a blister does. When the oint- 

 ment is applied the animal's head should be tied up secure for 

 one whole day, after which he may be turned loose in the field. 

 After an interval of seven days the application can be renewed, and 

 continued until the splint is removed. This ointment is useful 

 in cases of swollen hocks, splints, curbs, enlarged bursas, and broken 

 knees after the wound is healed, spavins, &c. Anyone can apply 

 it without calling in a veterinary surgeon. 



Blistering, repeatedly applied, is recommended by some, and often 

 succeeds in reducing splints, but the operation of periosteotomy is 

 better. An incision through the skin above and below the splint 

 is made, and the skin raised from the splint by means of a seton- 

 needle. An appropriate shaped knife is now passed under the skin, 

 and the splint is cut through, after which a dressed seton is 

 introduced. 



We give the following very ancient method of producing a 

 blister as a curiosity : Cut a sheep's kidney in two (as if it were to 

 be broiled for your breakfast) ; score one half of it with a knife, 

 and sprinkle it well with powdered bluestone (it may be scraped 

 with a knife) ; clip or shave the part, and apply the kidney, binding 



