220 Diseases of the Horse, 



serious trouble with the gait, will, as a rule, never do so. 

 There is always a certain stiffness about a spavined horse, 

 which is observable to an experienced eye, although it is 

 often so slight as to pass undetected by ordinary witnesses. 



Treatment. — The treatment for recent cases is the same as 

 that directed for other inflammations in the foot and neigh- 

 borhood. 



When the acute symptoms have subsided, blistering or 

 firing:, or the insertion of a seton is called for. Various 

 stimulating oils, and the like applications, are used for a 

 similar object, as — 



No. 236. Oil of turpentine, 12 parts. 



Corrosive sublimate, 1 part. 



Mix for a resolvent ointment 



The objection to corrosive sublimate is that it blemishes, 



No. 237. Mercurial ointment, 4 oz. 



Powdered cantharides, ^ oz. 



Oil of rosemary, 2 drachms. 



Thoroughly and frequently rubbing the part with oleate of 

 mercury (referred to under Rheumatism, p. 181), v/ill dis- 

 sipate as much of the swelling as has not become bone. 



Firing has often been used with success in very obstinate 

 cases; and of all our resources, it is the one on which most 

 confidence can be placed. The objection to it is that it 

 blemishes; but any severe caustic application may do the 

 same; and by the use of Prof. Williams' firing iron, pre- 

 viously described (page 65), this objection is largely re- 

 moved. 



Setons are next in value, if not fully equal ; and if skill- 

 fully inserted, leave little mark. They should be passed be- 

 neath a considerable tract of skin, covering the site of the 

 spavin, and the tape anointed with one of the stimulant pre- 

 parations mentioned in Part First (p. 64). 



Before using any of these external remedies, it is good 



