SPEAIN OF THE BACK TENDONS. 



961 



of cloth to the upper edge of the bag, pass it over the 

 shoulder and fasten to the opposite edge; next take bran, to 

 which add a little salt, and pour on it as much 

 boiling water as will bring it to a thin consist- 

 ence. While hot as the horse can bear, fill 

 the bag with it. This will form a poultice 

 around the part and keep it moist and sweat- 

 ing. It can be kept hot by pouring on hot 

 water occasionally, and should be renewed, if 

 necessary, in twenty-four hours, and so con- 

 tinue until the inflammation subsides. In all 

 cases of severe sprain, a purgative should be 

 given ; it reduces the fever, and acts as a coun- 

 ter-irritant. In any event give opening, easily 

 digested food. 



Having in this way reduced the inflamma- FIG. 323. Showing 



tion, if the swelling still remains, apply a good the back tendons 



strong liniment or blister. The biniodide of considerably thick- 

 mercury ointment is best in these cases, and 

 should be repeated: 



enedin consequence 

 of repeated injury 

 or strain. 



1^ drachms biniodide of mercury, 

 1 ounce lard. 



Fis. 824. Showing 



the effect of hard 



driving. 



A run at pasture will 

 generally complete the 

 cure. Sometimes, by re- 

 peated sprains, the tendons 

 become considerably thick- 

 ened (as shown in Fig. 

 823), in which case firing 

 is preferable. Sometimes, 

 from repeated sprains, the 

 tendons become contracted, 

 causing the animal to go on 

 his toe; in thase cases, the 

 operation of tenotomy, or 

 FIG. 825. Enlargement cu tting the tendons, is ad- 

 of the tendons from ^^ 

 interfering or 



banging. The following treatment 



61 



