bones: diseases and accidents. 275 



the joint, including a surface of 4 or 5 inches in circumference, and 

 rubbing in the following preparation : 



Powdered eantharides draiii__ 1 



Biniodid of mercury do 1 



Vaseline ouuce__ 1 



The anunal's head should be carefully tied until the third day to 

 prevent its licking the blister. The blistered surface should then be 

 smeared with lard or vaseline every other day until the scabs fall off. 

 Gentle exercise should be allowed after the fourth or fifth day from 

 the application of the blister. If the lameness still remains the 

 blister may be repeated in three weeks or a month. 



SPRAIN OF THE FETLOCK. 



This may occur from misstejo when the animal is moving rapidly, 

 and the twisting or wrenching of the foot is sufficient to rupture 

 partially the ligaments which bind the bones together at that part. 

 Such an accident also frequently occurs by the foot becoming fastened 

 in a hole in the floor, and the wrenching is the result of the animal's 

 attempt to liberate it. Lameness, followed by swelling of the joint 

 and pain when it is handled, or when the animal moves the joint, 

 and heat, are the more noticeable symptoms. If the sprain be very 

 severe, the animal occasionally does not bear its weight on the limb. 



Treatment. — The most important consideration in the treatment of 

 this affection is rest, which is best enforced by keeping the animal in 

 the stall and placing strong muslin bandages about the inflamed 

 joint. As in the sprain of the shoulder, cold water in the form of 

 douches, continuous irrigation with hose or soaking tub, or finely 

 chopped ice poultices is indicated for the first three days. Following 

 this apply a Priessnitz bandage ^ moderately tight about the joint, 

 which not only conduces to rest, but also favors absorption. Massage 

 with stimulating liniments, such as soap or camphor liniment, may 

 later be applied to the affected parts. 



If the lameness has not disappeared by the tenth day, the blister 

 advised for the sprain of the shoulder should be applied and the 

 same precautions observed as to tying the animal's head and subse- 

 quent smearing with vaseline. When a blister is applied in this 

 locality, the back part of the heel should be first filled with lard or 



1 A Preissnitz bandage is a dressing wliich combines the three properties of keeping a 

 part warm, moist, and subjecting it to uniform pressure. It consists of three layers of 

 material. The inner layer is composed of absorbent cotton or some other material which 

 is capable of holding moisture. This is soaked in water and wrapped around the part. 

 The second layer consists of a substance which is impervious to moisture, as oiled silk 

 or oiled paper, and is applied about the inner layer to prevent evaporation. The third or 

 outside layer is composed of a flannel or woolen bandage to prevent the radiation of heat 

 and thus keep the moist inner layer at the temperature of the body. 



