ARTISTIC HORSE-SHOEING. 115 



sheath Avhich is affected ; but if there is very great swell- 

 ing-, especially after racing, the chances are that there is 

 actual breaking down of the fibres of the tendon or suspen- 

 sory ligament, and often to a considerable extent. It is very 

 unusual, hoAvever, for there to be an actual and entire sep- 

 aration, and the most ordinar}^ condition is for the horse to 

 come in from his race very lame indeed, yet without his 

 fetlock touching the ground, and with only a partial sepa- 

 ration of the fibres, so that if it Avere not for the pain, he 

 would bear his weight on the leg. In the Avorst cases, 

 hoAA^ever, the fetlock-joint actually touches the ground 

 behind, and the leg is for the time rendered quite incapable 

 of bearing any Aveight at all. There is generally some 

 Avarning of this state of the tendon, AA^hich enlarges about 

 midAA^ay betAveen the knee or hock and the fetlock, and 

 forms there an OA^al sAvelling. When this is the 

 case, the chances are ten to one that an actual break- 

 doAvn occurs, although there may be no abolute lameness ; 

 but the inflammation is a sign that the tendon is in an unfit 

 state for Avork, and that it Avill most likely give Avay in the 

 next severe gallop. The proper treatment consists in cool- 

 ing general remedies; such as purging, bleeding if neces- 

 sary, and the nitre and tartar emetic ball. To this is to be 

 added light food, consisting of bran mashes, or green meat, 

 without corn, and entire rest. Locally cooling lotions are 

 to be appfied, and ice, if it can be procured in sufficient 

 quantity. A bran poultice should be applied, AAith scA^eral 

 lumps of ice in it; and as fast as they melt fresh lumps 

 should be added. The poiiltict^ is best put in an old 

 Avorsted stocking, Avhich Avill hold a large mass of bran 



