MODERN FARRIER. 63 



S6. The Ring-bone. 



This is an enlargement of the lesser pastern bone, 

 near the cornet of the hoof, and, in general, extends 

 round the fore-part of the foot, in form of a ring ; 

 though it sometimes only appears on each side, a 

 little above the cornet, and then is termed splinters 

 of a ring-bone. The treatment is the same as in 

 case of the splent, viz. blistering or firing. 



37. The Bone-spavin. 



This disease is usually situated on the upper end 

 of the shank-bone of the hind-leg, either below or 

 on the middle of the hock-joint. Cow-hocked 

 horses are most subject to this affection, which, if 

 not timely removed, may prove incurable. Before 

 the union and enlargement of the small bones take 

 place, the lameness will disappear for a short time 

 after the horse has been exercised ; and this is a sure 

 sign by which to distinguish the bone-spavin from 

 lameness in any other part of the limb, which gene- 

 rally increases from exercise. Many absurd and 

 cruel remedies are often resorted to in this disease ; 

 but the safest and most effectual cure is the applica- 

 ! tion of blisters, as before directed. 



38. Stiff Joint. 



This disease is generally occasioned by some 

 wound in the joint, through which the Joint-oil 

 escapes, and causes great irritation and inflamma- 

 tion. This is followed by an enlargement of the 

 bone heads, which at length unite in one mass, and 

 the use of the joint is irrecoverably lost. 



The best method of cure is to sear slightly the 

 ilips of the wound with a hot iron ; or touch, every 

 other day, the outside of the lips with a feather 



