APPENDIX. iJl 



THE CURE OF SPAVINS, RINGBONES, SPLINTS, ETC. 



On page i68, the nature of spavins, ringbone, etc., are explained 

 and the prescriptions for cure are given on pages 170 and 171. Great 

 imposition has been, and is practiced upon the public by extravagant 

 pretensions of ability to take off spavin, etc. Of having just the 

 " secret cure all " that will annihilate spavins, ringbones, etc., as by 

 magic. These pretended great secrets, are no secrets at all, and is 

 the most unblushing quackery to a veterinary surgeon. They are 

 usually combinations of the most powerful medicines modified by 

 others of the ordinary character, that will kill and destroy the skin 

 and subtissue of the part applied to if put on with any freedom, 

 thereby causing a bad sore and blemish. 



The formulas on page 170 have been prepared with special care, 

 and are among the very best. 



The point is, first, with a shears clip the hair from a large surface, 

 not as is generally done from the enlarged part, but considerable sur- 

 face surrounding. Rub the blister in thoroughly with the hand for at 

 least ten minutes. If a blister is not very strong, it can be made to 

 act quite well by rubbing it in well, and if strong it may act well by 

 merely rubbing it a few minutes. The rule should be to rub in well. 

 The lamer the animal, and more serious the spavin or the ringbone, 

 the stronger the remedy, and more thoroughly should it be rubbed in, 

 but not so strong as to dissolve the skin. This is to be avoided and 

 prevented. You can stop the action of a blister by greasing with 

 lard. 



When a blister after two or three days ceases to act, you will be 

 governed in this by the strength of the blister, and the thoroughness 

 with which it has been rubbed in. Grease over with lard next day, or 

 in the course of twenty-four hours, wash with castile soap and 

 water. Rub dry, and put on more blister, and repeat in this way 

 three, four, five or more times, as the severity of the case may require. 

 If you stop short of enabling sufficient action to produce ancholosis, 

 there will be danger of failure. The animal must be kept up while 

 under treatment, and the tail should be so tied that the parts inflamed 

 will not be switched or touched by it. You must always clip off the 

 hair before applying a blister that is at all strong, if not it will be 

 raised and have a blemish. 



The " Sweating Liniment," foot of page 170, the very strong sweat- 

 ing blister, and the one headed " \ Fine Absorbent," on head of page 

 171, are adapted more especially for taking off bunches, such as curb 

 splints, capped hocks, or other enlargements of such character. The 

 two other prescriptions following for spavin, ringbone, etc., are given 

 as good samples of the heroic blistering believed to be among the so- 

 called great secrets. The first, I have the best assurance, has been 

 soLl repeatedly for $50. The second is among the great secrets in 

 Western Pennsylvania and Ohio for the same purpose, and the secret 

 sold repeatedly for $100. 



