DISEASES OF THE HOESE. 105 



Use a strong blister in its acute state ; if of old standing its cure 

 is difficult and doubtful. 



Sprains in the Stifle. 



Symptoms. — The liorse holds up his foot, moans when moved, 

 swells in stifle ; this is what is called stifling. There is no such 

 thing as this joint getting out of place. It gets sprained the same 

 as any other joint, and the patella may slip from its place, which 

 acts as a stay to the joint. 



The tendons and ligaments become contracted, and lameness 

 follows. To relieve it, foment the joint well, stimulate it with some 

 strong linament or a slight blister. 



The Nerve Operation. 



A most barbarous operation called "nerving," or "neurotomy," 

 was discovered in England, and was subsequently introduced into this 

 country ; nothing more disgraceful was ever imported into any 

 country claiming civilization. 



It consisted in laying bare, taking up and cutting out from an inch 

 to one and a half inches of the metacarpal nerve, producing the 

 most excruciating pain. We illustrate the operation for the purpose 

 of exposing the cruelty of it, that no one will ever be guilty of such 

 wanton torture again. 



By reference to the annexed plate (page 106), it will be sufficiently 

 explained. 



We would suggest as a humane substitute for this operation, to 

 shoot the horse in the brain, and thus put an end to the suffering of 

 the pitiable animal as speedily as possible. 



If a proper shoe is applied when the horse is first shod, and its 

 vise continued, all the organs of the foot will be maintained in their 



