BROKEN KNEES. 213 



through the body of the swelling. Such things may 

 irritate but cannot remove the tumour. 



The elbow-joint is occasionally opened by kicking ; 

 or by a cut from the broken shafts in falling; or by 

 the carelessness or brutality of the carter. The exist- 

 ence of this may be suspected from the rapid and very 

 great swelling of the joint; its extreme heat and ten- 

 derness, with most piteous lameness ; it is also clearly 

 ascertained by the glairy nature of the discharge. 

 The treatment of this injury will be indicated when 

 "opened joints" come under consideration. 



In a few cases fracture of the bone of the elbow has 

 occurred. This is a very serious business ; for, when 

 the immense stress on the point of this bone is consi- 

 dered, it cannot be expected that union can take 

 place, however skilful may be the treatment pursued. 



BROKEN KNEES. 



Any division of the skin of the knee is known by 

 this name; and the common cause is falling down. A 

 simple graze or scratch may be of little consequence 

 when rightly treated ; but, if neglected, a portion of 

 the skin may slough, which will be very serious busi- 

 ness, as it affects the value of the horse. When the 

 knees are injured, the parts should be thoroughly 

 cleansed ; and if they are, as they generally will be, 

 bruised, fomentations composed of tincture of arnica, 

 two ounces; water, one pint; should be diligently 

 applied night and day, for four days or a week — 

 until the swelling subsides or a slough takes place. 

 At the expiration of that time, the weaker solution 

 of chloride of zinc ought to be employed: and perse- 



