DISEASES OF HORSES AND CATTLE. 231 



ing the true hinge joint of the hock, are incurable. 

 In the early stages, where there is acute inflamma- 

 tion, give complete rest and apply cold water con- 

 stantly for several days, then apply cantharides 

 two drams, biniodide of mercury one dram, lard 

 two ounces. Mix and rub in well a little with the 

 fingers. Let it remain on twenty-four hours, then 

 wash off and rub on a little lard. Repeat every 

 second week until three or four blisters have been 

 applied. Give at least threemonths' rest. If this 

 has not cured it, it will be necessary to fire it. This 

 is done by cutting off the hair and heating the iron 

 to a red heat and burning a straight mark from the 

 top of the hock to the bottom; then make three or 

 four marks from the center one like a crow's foot. 

 These marks or lines should be burned deep 

 enough to almost cut through the skin, but not 

 altogether. In firing the iron should not be pressed 

 but rubbed upward and downward; the weight of 

 the iron is enough. When the operation is com- 

 pleted rub on a little lard; that is usually all that 

 is needed. I have operated on a great number of 

 horses for ringbone and spavin and find that what 

 is called the smooth iron is the best. About nine 

 out of every ten cases get well if properly fired 

 with the smooth iron. In two weeks after the op- 

 eration has been performed if it should be drying 

 up and showing no signs of matter forming rub on 

 a little cantharides blister; but if it is sore and a 

 little matter has formed, let it alone. I like to keep 

 it sore for five or six weeks, then let it heal up of its 

 own accord. Allow the animal several months' 



