69 



it on with a bandage, and leaving it to rot off, wliich it will do 

 in two or three days, leaving a very complete blister. 



Again, remove the shoes from the feet ; apply bandages saturated 

 with evaporating lotions around the limbs, in order to reduce in- 

 flammation. After a week or ten days apply a blistering ointment 

 (biniodide of mercury), or insert a seton over the splint. 



SPRAINS. 



Any tendinous or ligamentous structure in the animal body may 

 be overstrained, but the fibrous tissues connected with the bones and 

 muscles of the extremities are the most frequent seats of the injury. 

 The flexor tendons running down the back of the leg below the 

 knee are commonly so affected. The long ligament extending from 

 below the knee to the upper part of the fetlock (suspensory ligament) 

 is also often sprained during a run, and the tendons and ligaments 

 at the back of the hock suffer in the same way. The enlargement 

 which results from sprain in this region is termed a curb. 



Sprain may also affect the ligaments of the back and loins, 

 causing a weakness in the part, which is particularly apparent when 

 the animal is being mounted, or is compelled to back. Sometimes 

 the horse, when compelled to move over in his stall, lifts the tail 

 with a peculiar quivering motion, and is hence called a ■' shivering." 

 The term "chinked back" is also used to designate this form of 

 injury. 



The general treatment of sprain should be directed to the preven- 

 tion or removal of inflammation in the first instance, and the resto- 

 ration of the lost property of tension in the next place. 



If in the fetlock joint remove the shoe from the affected foot, 

 and place around the joint a light linen bandage, which must be 

 kept continually moistened with a solution composed of a wineglass 

 of tincture of arnica to half a pint of water. The above, with 

 perfect rest, will soon effect a cure. 



If in the shoulder and the strain is severe it will probably take 

 several weeks, or even months, before the effects entirely disappear. 

 Bathe the shoulder and leg night and morning with strong salt and 

 water, at a temperature of 100'^^'. 



Should there be an enlargement resulting from a sprained tendon, 

 and it is hard and tender, firing will be the best treatment after the 

 inflammation is reduced. Repeated blistering with biniodide of 

 mercury ointment may be substituted if firing is objected to ; in 

 any case the animal must be kept at rest. 



