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from lying down is evidently the simplest method of keeping the 

 heels and the elbow apart. But the impracticability of this i)rescrip- 

 tion is apioarent, since a majority of animals are obliged to lie down 

 when they sleep, though it is true that a few take their sleep on their 

 feet. The question of shoeing here enters into the discussion. The 

 shortening of the inside branch of the shoe, Avhich is the one with 

 which the pressure is made, may be of advantage, and especially if 

 the truncated end of the shoe is smooth and filed over to remove all 

 IJossibility of pressure and contusion upon the skin. The protection 

 of the skin of the elbow }jy interposing soft tissues between that and 

 the shoe, or bj' bandaging the heel with bags, or covering it with 

 boots, is considered by many the best of the preventive methods, and 

 the advantage to be secured by resorting to it can not be overlooked 

 when the number of horses which develop shoe boil whenever the use 

 of the boot is intermitted, is considered. In order to prevent the ani- 

 mal from assuming the sternal decubitus, many give preference to the 

 plan of fastening a piece of wood across the stall at some distance 

 from the front wall or manger. It is a simx^le exxDcdient, primitive 

 perhaps, but nevertheless practical and followed by good results. 



The therapeut ic treatment is also important. The oedematous swell- 

 ing, indicative by its external apx)earance and the existing inflamma- 

 tion of the diseased condition, requires the use without delay of all 

 the means attainable for its abatement, with the accomf)anying pain 

 and the heat, Avitli whatever may tend to accelerate the absorption of 

 the exudate. Warm fomentations, repeated several times dailj^, are 

 then indicated, the degree of warmth being as high as can be com- 

 fortabl}- borne. They are of easy application, and often yield impor- 

 tant relief in a few hours. In some cases, however, astringents are 

 used in preference, in the form of poultices or pastes, which are made 

 to cover the entire swelling and allowed to remain, drying after a 

 short time, it is true, and perhaps falling off, but easily renewed and 

 reapi)lied. We have often recommended for these cases (and we 

 renew our indorsement) a putty made of common chalk, powdered, 

 and vinegar (acetate of lime — an excellent astringent), and covering 

 the Avhole swelling with a thick coating of soft clay, made into a softish 

 mass with water. It has proved very beneficial in our experience. 



These simple remedies are often all that is required. Under their 

 use the SAvelling i^asses off by degrees and after a short interval the 

 animal is remanded to his work again. But not uncommonly, instead 

 of this a tumor or lump develops itself, putf}-, not painful, and per- 

 haps giving a sensation of crepitation when j)ressure is made on it. 

 It is soft and evidently contains a liquid, and when freely opened, 

 with a good-sized incision, discharges a certain amount of blood, 

 partly liquid and partly coagulated, and perhaps a little hemorrhage 

 will follow. The cavity should then be Avell washed out and a tent 

 of oakum introduced, leaving a small portion protruding llirough the 



