220 DISEASES OF HORSES AND CATTLE. 



two or three weeks, if necessary. This blistering 

 with cantharides will draw out the deep-seated in- 

 flammation and act as an alterative 4 , bringing a 

 healthy action to the part. No other blister has 

 this action. This 1 have discovered from practical 

 experience. The horse should not be put to work 

 for some time after the lameness disappears. 



Strains and Wasting of Muscles of Hip. — The 

 large muscles of the hip are liable to strains, and 

 there is a great tendency for these muscles to 

 waste as a result of the strain. This is called by 

 horsemen "half hipped." 



Symptoms: When these muscles are strained 

 or injured the'frnimal has difficulty in bringing its 

 leg forward, and has the appearance of being stiff 

 in its back. When the animal is at rest it will 

 usually stand solid on the leg of the injured side, 

 as well as on the other. The treatment will be the 

 same as for hip joint lameness. 



Strains and Wasting of the Crural Muscles (the 

 Muscles in Front of the Thigh Bone). — These mus- 

 cles are connected with the patella, the "knee 

 cap." When sprains or injuries to these muscles 

 take place the animal has no power to bring the 

 leg forward, and if made to walk the stifle joint 

 drops down, giving the animal the appearance 

 as if it would fall on that side, and knuckles over 

 at the fetlock joint. After a time the muscles 

 waste and there is a sinking in of the part, and the 

 muscle loses its action, and is partially paralyzed. 

 The treatment will be as above, but benefit may 

 be obtained by giving nerve tonics; nux vomica 



