DISEASES AND INJURIES. 2OJ 



tendons, as well as muscles, during violent efforts or from 

 twists, may be over-stretched and their fibres torn, or the 

 injury to them may be brought about gradually, as in some 

 tendons and ligaments of the lower part of the limbs. No 

 matter where sprains occur, more or less prolonged rest, as 

 complete as possible, is essential to rapid and permanent 

 recovery. Next to rest comes reparative treatment, and this 

 will vary somewhat according to the seat and nature of the 

 sprain. When it is quite recent, attempts must be made to 

 check the swelling and inflammation that ensue, and with 

 this object in view the application of water cold or hot or 

 soothing and evaporating lotions, is resorted to. All are 

 beneficial according to the assiduity with which they are 

 applied. The water should always be rather cold, or as hot 

 as the horse can bear it. When it can be done, the part 

 should be enveloped in bandages or swabs, so as to retain 

 and distribute the moisture or lotion. Perhaps the best 

 lotion is that composed of Goulard's extract (subacetate of 

 lead) and spirit in equal parts, with eight or ten parts of 

 water. When the pain and swelling have subsided some- 

 what, then a mild stimulant may be applied such as acetic 

 acid liniment already alluded to. Gentle exercise may also 

 be allowed if there is no lameness, and continued until the 

 horse is fit for work. 



Sprain of the Back Tendons. 



This is perhaps the most frequent sprain to which light 

 horses are liable, and may occur either in the fore or hind 

 legs. There is swelling, heat, and pain on pressure of the 

 injured part, and lameness corresponding to the extent of the 

 injury. A shoe raised two or three inches at the heels should 

 be put on the foot of the sprained leg, and the general treat- 

 ment prescribed above resorted to. If the injury is very 

 severe and considerable thickening remain, it may be advis- 

 able to apply the biniodide of mercury ointment or cantharides 



