ON LAMENESS FEOM STRAINS. 273 



The enlargement in some cases Is so considerable, that the 

 sinews cannot be discerned ; this often arises from effusion of 

 blood in the sheath, but the tendons themselves are likewise 

 inflamed. 



Race horses, from the severe exertions they nndergo, both in 

 racing and training, are extremely liable to this lesion, which, 

 in trainers' phrases, is denominated a break down; and hovv'- 

 ever well the case may be treated, it is very rare that the horse 

 is enabled to race again, although he may perform lesser exer- 

 tions, such as hunting, with impunity. 



The treatment in a severe case should consist of copious bleed- 

 ing from the arm or the thigh, as the case may be, which may 

 be repeated the second or third day if necessary ; a jmtten shoe 

 should be placed on the foot of the affected leg, so as to put the 

 sinews in a state of rest ; and the limb should be placed in a 

 bucket of warm water, and frequently fomented for a long time 

 together. If this cannot be conveniently done, a linseecl meal 

 poultice should be placed on the leg and wetted several times in 

 the day with warm water. On the third or fourth day the 

 following lotion may be substituted for the fomentation, a 

 linen bandage being applied, and frequently saturated with the 

 lotion : — 



]\[uriate of ammonia 1 ounce. 



Pyroligneous acid 2 ounces. 



Spirits of wine 2 ounces. 



Camphorated spirit 2 draclims. 



Cold water \\ pint. — 



Mix. 



When the part is totally free from inflammation, if a swelling 

 remains, it should be either blistered or fired, the latter is the 

 most effectual, and should be preferred if the blemish is not 

 objected to. — Ed.] 



Strains of the Fetlock Joint. 



This injury may be confined to the joint itself when there is 

 lameness and heat but not much swelling, but its seat generally 

 is the ligaments surrounding the joint. 



The S//mptoms are similar to those before mentioned in strains 

 of the sinews, and the treatment also should be very similar. A 

 patten shoe, howevei', is not so imperatively called for, and if 

 used should not be continued so long. 



Breaking Down. 



This accident often occurs In racing, and sometimes in hunt- 

 ing, but very rarely upon the road. A strain in the back sinews 



T 



