8 TIIE DISEASES OF HORSES, 



dents whero iuflammation is produced, there are some errors in domestic 

 practice which it is necessary to refer to in order that they maybe guarded 

 against. It should ba laid down as a rule, and adhered to, by all who have 

 to do with horses and who attempt to treat them for such injuries, that 

 neither blisters, stimulating liniments, nor hot, burning oils must be used 

 whilst heat and tenderness of the part remain ; these— except the last men- 

 tioned — will follow in duo time, and if judiciously used, will strengthen 

 the weakened parts ; but if used during the inflammatory stage they do 

 harm; yet how common do we find it that both in the stableman's and 

 farmer's mind the most unalterable prejudice exists in favour of some 

 famous oils, probably — as I know they often do— containing powerful 

 mineral acids; or somebody's "celebrated liniment," which, though com- 

 pounded of the most incongruous mess of incompatibles, is yet warranted 

 to cure everything, from a sore shoulder to a break- down. All such things 

 must be discarded, and reliance placed on simpler and more efficient means, 

 combined with rest and home comfort to the animal. 



In slight cases apply warm poultices of bran or linseed meal, renewing 

 them as often as they get cold, or keep up continuous hot fomentations for 

 several days, or as long as the place is hot and tender ; plain water will 

 answer the purpose as well as anything else ; but if a prejudice exists in 

 favour of " yerbs," such as marsh mallow, houseleek, &c, they can do 

 no harm ; and for the benefit of such I transcribe a very old recipe from 

 Gervaso Markham, one of the earliest English writers on veterinary sub- 

 jects. He says for " any grief in his nether joints, whereby the horse goeth 

 stiff and halteth, then take a handful of laurel leaves and of primrose 

 leaves, of ground ivy, of crowfoot, of mallows, of red fennel, and of fine 

 hay, of each of them severally as much ; seethe them well together, and 

 then let them stand fourteen days ; then bathe the joint with it once a day, 

 and bind of the herbs into it for four days together; then after chafe 

 into the joint fresh grease and oil mixed together, and it will ease all 

 his pain." Dr. Bracken, writing 150 years later, recommends as a "cold 

 charge for strain of the back sinews— Bole Armenica £lb., white wino 

 vinegar, and white of eggs as much as will make it the consistence of a 

 poultice— to be applied spread pretty thick on a piece of leather, and as 

 it grows dry put more on." I have known very similar applications used 

 in the present day. 



In severe cases it may be necessary, the sooner to relieve and to prevent 

 the inflammation extending and producing consequent derangement of 

 the system, to bleed the horse. This may be done at the toe, and if neces- 

 sary the bleeding may be encouraged by placing the foot in a bucket of 

 warm water. When sufficient has been taken, and the bleeding stopped, 

 the poultices or hot fomentations must be used, and continued till the in- 

 flammation subsidos, which may be in two or three days. Cold applications 

 should then be resorted to, such as vinegar and water in equal parts, with 

 a wineglassful of spirit of wine added to every quart, or the following 

 lotion will answer still better : 



