THE HOESE AND ITS DISEASES. 155 



Remedy. — This, like bone spavin, admits but of a 

 limited degree of treatment ; repeated blisters are the 

 most likely to afford relief, and if all fails, tiring is the 

 last remedy. 



Blood Spavin. 



Causes. — This generally arises in consequence of hard 

 work, and over- straining and exertion, or from bruises or 

 other local injuries on the parts, causing considerable 

 weakness. 



Symptoms. — It appears like a small soft swelling or 

 enlargement of the thigh vein, in that part where it 

 runs over the inside of the hock joint, and is easily 

 distinguished by its giving way, and disappearing in 

 in some measure, on pressure below it, and returning 

 again on its removal. 



Cure. — Standing in a running stream, morning and 

 evening, for one hour at the time, and half an hour's 

 hard rubbing after being properly dried ; continue this 

 treatment for three weeks ; when hand-rubbing the 

 parts affected, wet your hands with the following 

 astringent lotion : — two pounds oak bark, boiled for 

 two hours, one quart of salt, and three ounces alum. 



The Curb. 



Causes. — This disease usually occurs from protracted 

 and excessive working on the road, or from local injury 

 done to the parts, and it is also hereditary. 



Symptoms. — The curb is common in horses, especially 

 such as are cow-hoofed, and appears in swelling on the 

 back part of the hock ; it generally causes a degree of 

 lameness, in proportion to the inflammation of the parts, 

 and which rarely gives way of its own accord. 



Cure. — In most cases where curbs are not of too long 

 standing, they may be removed by the application of a 

 blister, or iodine ointment, but in inveterate cases, firing 

 is the only remedy. 



