170 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



Treatment. — As before stated, this is rather unsatis- 

 factory, from the fact that the cartilages are likely to be 

 destroyed, and the bone underneath apt to become ulcer- 

 ated, but if taken in time, much good can be done. In 

 many cases, a cure can be effected by the ointment of red 

 iodide of mercury, well rubbed in once a week, for a few 

 times. 



Take of biniodide of mercury, two drachms ; hogs 

 lard, two ounces. Mix well on the bottom of a dinner 

 plate, or a smooth slate with a table knife. And of this 

 ointment, take one fourth and rub well into the joint, 

 and tie up the horse's head for a few hours, to prevent 

 the horse from getting at the shoulder with his mouth, 

 and allow soft bedding for the front feet to stand upon, 

 as the horse will stamp with his foot on the floor, for 

 the action of this ointment is considered to be as painful 

 as the hot iron, for half an hour from the time it begins 

 to act, till the parts commence to swell from its splendid 

 effects. Hence, firing irons are now not much used, 

 except in the hands of old fogies. Daily, oil or grease 

 the parts for a week, then apply as before, and remem- 

 bering that to get all the benefit of this ointment, it 

 must be well rubbed in to the parts. 



Side Bones — Are a species of ring bone; only the 

 side cartileges of the foot are converted into bone, and 

 does not, as in ring bone, extend round the coronet, or 

 portion immediately above the hoof. The cause and 

 treatment are the same as that of ring-bone (which see.) 



Sinus. — A long, narrow and ulcerated track, commu- 

 nicating either with the inside of an abscess, or diseased 

 bone .(See Fistula.— Poll Evil.) 



SitfastS- — These are hard and insensible tumors, 



