LAMENESS. FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 341 



in tne form which they long afterward preserve. For the most 

 part, chronic disease and lameness are not marked by any violent 

 symptoms, nor are they accompanied with much pain, if the hor«e 

 be kept at rest. 



Suppose the disease to have first made its appearance, the parta 

 will be hot and painful ; but the idea of curing ring-bone — that 

 is, restoring the parts to their normal condition — is really absurd ; 

 for, when once the bones are anchylosed, the joint never can per- 

 form its natural function again. The new growths (exostosis), 

 aDd the changes of structure that occur within and about the 

 region of disease, are a part of Nature's own handiwork, in view 

 of strengthening a weak bone or joint. Our object in the treat- 

 ment, therefore, is merely to aid Nature. Excuse the animal from 

 work, and apply sedative lotions (cold-water dressings) so long as 

 the acute stage lasts; then, when the case passes into the chronic 

 stage, apply counter-irritants for a week or two, and, finally, turn 

 the patient out to grass. The following will be found an effectivo 

 sedative lotion : 



No. 55. Spirits of camphor 2 oz. 



Fluid extract of wormwood 1 oz. 



Vinegar 5 oz. 



To be applied twice daily. 



The following is an excellent counter-irritant for ring-bone in 



its chronic stage : 



No. 56. Cod-liver oil ") , 



Kerosene j equal parts. 



Apply once or twice daily, until a crop of pustules appear ; then 

 omit the application, and reapply it at the expiration of two or 

 three intermitting periods. 



The remedies used by veterinary surgeons generally, are oil of 

 cantharides, acetate of cantharides, blistering ointment, ointment 

 of biniodide of mercury, and, lastly, the actual cautery, or heated 

 iron. I have tried all except the latter, which savors too much 

 of barbarity, and I never found any thing to equal the preparation 

 here recommended — namely, cod-liver oil and kerosene. 



' Navicularthritis (Navicular Disease). 



Navicularthritis is an acute disease, supposed to be confined to 

 the navicular region, or joint, which is in the posterior part of the 



