DISEASES OF HORSES. 231 



if the evil be in the shoulder, will give evident pain. 

 The muscles between the fore legs are likewise tumi- 

 fied and tender in these cases. 



77. The treatment consists, when it is recent, in bleeding in the 

 plate vein, rowelling in the chest, and fomenting with hot water 

 two or three times a day. When the heat and tenderness have 

 subsided, first bathe daily with the astringent wash for strains 

 (Vet. Pha. 134, No. 1) for a week; and afterwards, if necessary, 

 proceed to blister in the usual manner. 



78. Strain in the whirl bone. This important joint is sometimes 

 strained, or its ligaments and muscles unnaturally extended, from 

 a greater force being applied to them than their structure is able to 

 bear, or their power to resist ; a leesion takes place of some of their 

 fibrillae, or in lesser injuries their elasticity is injured by being put 

 on the stretch beyond their power of returning. In all such cases, 

 the parts react, and inflammation follows ; by which heat, tender- 

 ness, and swelling ensue. 



79. Treatment. The first indication is the same in this as in all 

 ligamentary strains, which is to moderate the inflammation by 

 fomentations, &c. &c., and when that has subsided, to endeavour 

 by astringents and bracers to restore the tone of the parts ; after 

 which, if any swelling remains, from the extravasated blood be- 

 coming organised, to promote its absorptions by mercurial frictions, 

 and blistering. This applies to all strains, and will direct the 

 treatment therefore of that of strain in the articulation of the thigh 

 with the body also. 



80. Strain in the stifle, is treated in the same manner. 



81. Strain or clap in the back sinews. This is generally an injury 

 done to the sheaths of the tendons, or of the ligaments which bind 

 them down. In very aggravated cases, it sometimes occurs that 

 even the tendons themselves are extended beyond their capacity. 

 The heat, swelling, and tenderness, are first to be combatted by 

 fomentations, and if this be extreme, bleed also, and give a dose of 

 physic. Next proceed to poultice with saturnine applications, until 

 the heat and swelling are reduced: then use tonics, astringent 

 wash, (Vet. Pha. 134, No. 1 or 2,) bandage and exercise very 

 carefully. If swelling remain after heat, pain, and lameness are 

 past ; or when lameness only remains, after all heat is gone, pro 

 ceed to blister mildly twice In all cases of ligamentary extension 



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