364 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



Treatment. — -Another point in which there is a resemblance between 

 this lesion and others which we have considered is in its responsive- 

 ness to the same treatment with them. Indeed, the prescription of 

 warm fomentations, soothing applications, and astringent and resolv- 

 ent mixtures, in a majority of cases, is the first that occurs all through 

 the list. If the swelling assumes the character of a serous collection, 

 pressure, cold water, and bandages will contribute to its removal. If 

 supi^uration seems to be established, and the swelling assumes the 

 character of a developing abscess, the hot poultices of flaxseed or of 

 boiled vegetables and the embrocations of sedative ointments, those 

 of basilicon, or vaseline, impregnated with preparations of opium or 

 belladonna — all these recommend themselves l)v their general adapta- 

 tion and the beneficial results which have followed their administra- 

 tion, not less in one case than in another. When an abscess has 

 formed and is fluctuating, it should be carefull}^ but fuU}^ opened to 

 evacuate the jsus. If it is a serous cyst, some care is necessary in 

 emptying it, and the possibility of the extension of the inflammation 

 to the joint must be taken into consideration. AMien the cavities 

 have been emjDtied and have closed by filling up with granulations, 

 or if, not being opened, the contents have been reabsorbed, and there 

 remains in either case a plastic exudation and a tendency to the cal- 

 lous organization that may yet exist, blisters under their various 

 forms, including those of cantharides, of mercury, and of iodine, are 

 then indicated, principally in the early stages, as it is then that their 

 effects will prove most satisfactory. The use of the actual cautery, 

 with fine points, penetrating deeply throughout the enlargement, has 

 in our hands, when emploved in the very early stages of its forma- 

 tion, nearly always brought on a radical recovery with complete 

 absorption of the thickening. 



STRINGHALT. 



This is an involuntary movement of one or both hind legs, in which 

 the foot is suddenly and spasmodically lifted from the ground much 

 higher than it is normally carried, with excessive flexion of one bone 

 upon the other. This peculiarity is usually prominent, although it 

 may disappear with work, only to reappear after a short rest. Some- 

 times it is most apparent at a trot, sometimes at a walk, and other 

 times only when turned around ; or it may not be affected by the gait 

 of the horse. It does not seem to be influenced by the horse's age, 

 young and old being alike affected. Its first manifestations are sonie- 

 times very slight. It has been noticed as occurring in an animal when 

 backing out of his stable and ceasing immediately after. In some 

 animals it is best seen when the animal is turning around on the 

 affected leg, and it is not noticed when he moves straight forward. 

 That this peculiar action interferes with facility of locomotion and 



