970 DISEASES AND THEIE TREATMENT. 



The following is the treatment advised by very able practi- 

 tioners: 



" Give a laxative, and apply hot fomentations to the part two 

 or three times a day. After each fomentation apply a strong 

 stimulating liniment. Continue this treatment until the skin is 

 sore, then cease the treatment, and apply the following for a few 

 days: 



" G ounces soft soap. 

 12 ounces alcohol. 



" Apply twice a day until well." 



KNUCKLING OVER. 



Knuckling, or standing over, is very common in cab and stage 

 horses. It gives the animal an ungainly, 

 worn-out appearance. It may occur on one 

 or both knees, which are bent forward, and 

 arc very shaky, or the fetlocks may be 

 knuckled forward. Veterinarians differ as 

 to the real nature of this condition, or as to 

 tho part really at fault. Some suppose that 

 it is from " a relaxed and lengthened state 

 of the extensor muscles; " others " of tho lig- 

 amentous tissue at the anterior part of the 

 joint; " others " an inordinate contraction of 

 the flexors, to such a degree that the equi- 

 librium of the flexors and extensors is de- 

 stroyed. Dissection, however, fails to con- 

 firm these views. It appears to us to depend 

 on contraction of the ligaments at the back 



FIG. 836. An ordinary o f fa G joint. 



case of sprang knees. Causes. It is generally caused by too 



hard work when young, particularly continued road-work, which 

 causes the joints to start forward, as shown in Fig. 836; and if it 

 is continued, it becomes habitual. 



Symptoms. It requires but to bo seen to be recognized. In- 

 stead of the beautiful, symmetrical form of the limb, the joint is 

 thrown forward, throwing the shank-bone more oblique and the 

 pastern- bones more straight, giving the animal a jaded, tottering 

 appearance. 



Treatment. Some blister, or fire and blister; but we think 



