40 



HEALTH AND DISEASE 



animal getting a hind foot caught up when trying to scratch the parts 

 covered, a risk which is increased if the shoes have not previously been 

 removed. 



SLINGS AND SLINGING 



Horse life is frequently saved by the timely use of slings. These differ 

 in construction, and are often extemporized out of very crude appliances. 

 Country veterinary surgeons, accustomed to all sorts of shifts and ex- 





Fig. 452. Neck Cradle 



pedients, will make a farm cart or a pair of wagon shafts serve the purpose 

 in the absence of more suitable means. The improved slings (Plate L), 

 by their great strength and the endless chain and pulley, make it possible 

 to raise a heavy horse from the ground with the assistance of but few men, 

 while the old-fashioned ropes and pulleys need much more power. The 

 method of adjustment, presuming that the patient is down, is to get the 

 middle piece or suspender first under the body. To accomplish this, one or 

 two men will elevate the head and neck, while two others are employed in 

 passing the suspender as far as possible under the shoulder. The fore 

 limbs are now raised by means of a cord applied to the under one, and 

 while in this position the sling is forcibly drawn in a backward direction 



