210 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



For all fast work the horse will be utterly useless ; 

 but for farm work, and breeding purposes, his services 

 may be of as much value as before the occurrence of 

 the accident. Some poor wretches that have broken 

 down, are sold by their hard-hearted masters to be 

 butchered in hansom cabs over hard pavement, from 

 morning till night, so long as their vital powers are in 

 existence, who, but for this accident, might still be 

 enjoying all the comforts and attention of the racing 

 stables. 



CURB. 



It is commonly asserted that horses with ' sickle 

 hocks ' are more liable to this strain than others differ- 

 ently formed. And so no doubt they are ; but not to 

 the extent generally supposed. 



A curb consists in a strain or extension of the liga- 

 ments at the head of the splint bone of the shank, or 

 about six inches below the point of the hock. It results 

 from jumping into a bog or ditch, rearing or galloping 

 up a steep hill, &c., and usually occurs between the 

 second and fifth year, and most frequently while the 

 process of breaking is going on. If the strain be 

 severe, the horse will limp soon after the extension of 

 the ligaments has taken place, and on the next morning 

 considerable swelling and tumefaction will take place 

 with or without much lameness. 



A high-heeled shoe should be immediately fitted on 

 the foot of the injured limb, and cold lotions applied 



