224 SPRAIN OF THE BACK SINEWS. 



SPRAIN OF THE BACK SINEWS. 



This calamity is often occasioned by the horse 

 being over-weighted, and ridden far and fast, espe- 

 cially if the animal's pasterns are long : but it may 

 be produced by a false step ; or from the heels of the 

 shoes being too much lowered. The thin-heeled shoes 

 that were once in fashion did irreparable mischief in 

 this respect. 



Sprain of the back sinews is detected by swelling 

 and heat at the back part of the leg; puffiness along 

 the course of the sinews; extreme tenderness, so far 

 as the swelling or the heat extends ; accompanied by 

 very great lameness. 



The first object is to abate the inflammation; and 

 this should be attempted by local applications to the 

 back of the leg, in the form of fomentations, suffi- 

 ciently hot, and frequently repeated. The solution 

 of arnica is an excellent and a fashionable application 

 to inj uries of this kind. Or a cold poultice may be 

 made with the tincture and placed upon the part; 

 at the same time as much strain as possible should 

 be taken from the sinew by putting on to the horse's 

 foot a high-heeled shoe. 



The horse should be put upon mash diet for a day 

 or two, and have physic, should not purging ensue. 

 When, in the course of a short time, the leg will bear 

 a little pressure, a different course should be pursued. 

 The inflammation having been abated, the practi- 

 tioner should think of reducing the enlargement, lest 

 it should become organized or confirmed ; when, if 

 it did not perpetuate the lameness, it would at least 



