120 STRAINS AND BRUISES. 



Bathe the part frequently with this emhrocation. There cannot be 

 a better application for strains or bruises in the horse or cattle, or 

 even in the human being-, when the skin is not broken. When the 

 heat and tenderness have somewhat subsided, and only weakness of 

 the part remains, the Rheumatic Embrocation (Recipe No. 9, p. 52) 

 will be serviceable. 



Frequent fomentations with warm water should precede the use of 

 these embrocations. In bad cases it may be prudent to give a dose 

 of physic, or even to bleed. 



For very deeply-seated strairjs a more powerful application may be 

 necessary. Then use the following : — 



RECIPE (No. 52). 



Strongest Emhrocation for Strains. — Take spirit of turpentine, half a pint ; oil of 

 orijraniiin, iialf an ounce ; olive oil, a pint and a half; cantharides, one ounce. 3Iix 

 them together, shake them often, and keep them in a bottle for use. 



This should be well rubbed in morninsf and night. It is not in- 

 tended absolutely to blister the animal; and should ihe embrocation 

 cause much redness or tenderness, it ma}'' be lowered w'ith an equal 

 quantity of olive oil. 



After all, a considerable degree of weakness and lameness will 

 occasionally remain, and especially about the hips and loins. A 

 strengthening plaster will be very useful here. It is best applied in 

 the form of a charge. 



RECIPE (No. 53). 



Charffe for old Strains or Lameness. — Take Burgundy pitch, four ounces; common 

 pitcl), four ounces ; jcllow wax, two ounces; Barhadoes tar, six ounces. Melt them 

 t<>^('ther in a ladle, and apply tiie mixture to the parts when thoroughly warm and 

 iiijiiid. 



A little short tow" is then placed over this, before it gets cool, and 

 which, adhering to it, forms a thick coat over it. The charge acts as 

 a support to the part, and as a permanent bandage. It can never do 

 harm; and many an old strain, or lameness, or rheumatic affection,. 

 has been effectually removed by it. It should remain on the part two 

 or three months, in order to ensure its full success; and after the ap- 

 plication of the charge, the beast should be turned out. 



Although not exposed so much as the horse to strains generally, 

 yet there is one joint — the fetlock — in the ox, which often suffers. 

 The division of the low'er part of the leg into two bones materially 

 weakens this joint : therefore it is not unusual to see enlarged fetlocks, 

 and a considerable accumulation of bone about them. The mild and 

 the strong embrocation must in turns be diligently applied, and these 

 failing of success, recourse must be speedily had to the blister, or the 

 firing iron; but, if these should not be successful, and the lameness 

 is so considerable as to injure the condition of the animal, relief can 

 be obtained by dividing the nerve which supplies the foot above the 

 fetlock, thereby removing pain and lameness by destroying sen- 

 sation. 



