184 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



sweet oil or lard. As acetic acid may not be at hand in 

 an emergency like this, strong table, or white wine vine- 

 gar should be used, without the camphor. Acetic acid 

 of the French, is eight times stronger than ordinary vine- 

 gar. 



Stifle Joint Lameness. — In the article Hock- Joint, 

 I have stated that this form or situation of lameness in 

 the horse, is not so common as horsemen and others sup- 

 pose it to be; nevertheless, no part or function can be 

 declared exempt from accident and disease. It is chiefly, 

 however, an aifection of young colts, on uneven ground, 

 and arises from wearing away the toe of the foot, thus 

 inducing dislocation of the stifle, or patella, which slides 

 ofi" the rounded heads of the bones, at every step the ani- 

 mal takes. (See Patella.) 



Treatment — Remove the horse to level pasture, and 

 have him shod with a shoe, having a projecting piece of 

 iron attached to the toe of the shoe, which will prevent 

 the bones from sliding out of place, and knuckling at every 

 step. 



Stifle Ulceration. — This is a disease of the half- 

 moon shaped cartilages of the joint, and a serious dis- 

 ease, as all joint aff'ections commonly are. 



Symptoms. — The leg is held firmly, and forward of the 

 other, and is thrown outwards at every step. The joint 

 is enlarged, and the capsular ligament very much dis- 

 tended, especially when the animal's weight is thrown 

 upon it, by holding up the sound leg. 



Treatment. — Not satisfactory; as ulceration is gene- 

 rally progressive in its character, and frequently destroys 

 the heads of the bones. But the ointment of the red 

 iodide of mercury may be tried. 



Bin-iodide of mercury, one drachm; hog's lard, one 



