238 THE PRACTICAL HORSE KEEPER. 



reason some horse-owners are always in the habit of strictly 

 forbidding the trotting of any of their riding horses down hill 

 while they are out at exercise. If the accident is slight, and 

 one or both knees may have been merely " grazed," and only a 

 portion of hair removed, and, in addition, there may be a little 

 abrasion of the skin in such cases sponging well with warm 

 water will often be the only remedy required. In other cases 

 the skin is cut through, and the tissues underneath may be 

 exposed, and more or less wounded. Here, unless the injury 

 is superficial, the advisability of getting the horse into a stable 

 as soon as possible must be considered. If the knee is deeply 

 cut, it is obvious that the patient had better not walk farther 

 than is absolutely necessary. In such a case, when the horse 

 has reached a stable, the parts should be gently fomented, and, 

 if need be, veterinary assistance should be sought without 

 delay ; in the meantime care being taken to keep the injured 

 limb as quiet as possible, and the animal free from anything 

 disturbing or exciting. If the knee joint is opened, the case is 

 serious, and the leg cannot be kept too still after bandaging 

 with a little tow and some dressing, such as carbolised oil or 

 carbolic lotion. It may be found judicious to turn the horse 

 round in the stall, and keep him on pillar reins, to prevent 

 him from knocking or rubbing the injured limb against the 

 manger ; and, if he attempts to bite the wounds, a " cradle " 

 should be placed on his neck. In very severe cases, 

 "slinging" the patient will be found a very great advan- 

 tage. In some cases, when laceration or contusion is super- 

 ficial, and freed from dirt or grit, a favourable result will 

 be obtained by spreading some Canada balsam on a piece 

 of lint, and applying it to the part, leaving it there until it 

 drops off. 



Cases of broken knees vary so much that only general 

 principles of treatment can be here given, and great professional 

 experience is required to treat all but simple cases. 



