WIND- GALLS. 225 



interfere with the motions of the body and limit the 

 action of the limb. 



It is too frequently the absurd practice of the farrier 

 to attempt this by means of hot oils or blisters, imme- 

 diately after the accident, and before the inflamma- 

 tion is subdued. By doing this he increases the 

 inflammation, and aggravates the evil ; often render- 

 ing a thorough cure impossible. 



The first application, with a view to promote the 

 absorption of the matter thrown out, should be pres- 

 sure; cautiously applied at the beginning, and only 

 increased as the animal can bear it. The bandage 

 being wetted with water, in order that the leg may be 

 kept cool; thus, not only the inflammation will be 

 lessened, but the tone and strength of the parts in 

 some degree restored. 



In slight cases, when the tenderness, heat, swelling, 

 and lameness have all subsided, the horse may go to 

 work, if he does not go too far or too fast: but, if 

 the sprain has been severe, considerable enlargement 

 will remain after the absolute lameness has disappeared. 

 This will materially interfere with the free and safe 

 action of the limb ; therefore, and especially where 

 quick work is required, it will be expedient to rub the 

 injury morning and night with a little ointment, formed 

 by mixing one drachm of iodide of lead with one 

 ounce of lard. 



WIND-GALLS. 



At the back of the leg, just above the fetlock joint, 

 Mr. Varnell has shown that the flexor tendons are 

 encased in a synovial sheath. Its use is to facilitate 

 the motion of the various structures upon each other ; 



l 5 



