STRAINS. 207 



by any careful observer, by the intense pain it gives 

 the horse when extending the limb of his own accord, 

 or on its being extended by manual force ; and when 

 the strain is very severe, the toe will be dragged along 

 the ground, and the horse will hop on the other leg. 

 No treatment is of any avail, but entire rest followed 

 by gentle exercise. 



The injury may exist in either the muscles or liga- 

 mentous attachments ; but in which of the two, it will 

 be impossible to ascertain. 



Where, however, the injury lies in the triceps ex- 

 tensor brachii the large bulging muscle above the 

 arm the heat and swelling will be very evident, and 

 its treatment will be similar to that of any other strain : 

 viz. a reduction of the inflammation, followed by rest 

 and counter-irritation. Horses are very liable to this 

 injury when galloping at great speed down hill ; and 

 on some training grounds it is of frequent occurrence. 



STRAIN OF THE BACK AKD LOINS. 



Strained, or, as it is termed by horsemen, 'ricked 

 back,' is marked by a stiffness and soreness of the 

 muscles along the back and loins. It occurs usually by 

 the horse dropping his hind legs into a ditch or drain, 

 having at the same time a heavy weight on him. The 

 treatment must consist of entire rest, physicking, and 

 lowering diet. The back and loins should be well 

 fomented by dipping flannel cloths in hot water and 



