curb. 245 



external violence, the whole of the joint occasionally 

 enlarges, accompanied by much heat and acute lame- 

 ness: by the application, however, of proper means, 

 the heat and lameness are removed. These means 

 consist of continual rubbing in of soap liniment ; 

 followed by tonic balls ; gentle exercise ; and good 

 prepared food. If the enlargement of the hock is 

 permanent the horse should be regarded with con- 

 siderable suspicion. He may be capable of common 

 work ; but he will often fail if much extra exertion is 

 required from him, or he may suddenly be attacked 

 by the acute form of farcy. 



CURB. 



This is most frequent in young horses, whose joints 

 have not attained their full strength. A young horse 

 goes out of the yard perfectly sound ; he gallops over 

 heavy ground; he leaps a fence; he is pulled up 

 and thrown upon his haunches; or he makes some 

 sudden exertion and he immediately becomes de- 

 cidedly lame in one of the hind legs. Upon being 

 closely examined, there is found to be great tender- 

 ness at the hinder part of the hock, five or six inches 

 below the point of it ; and in a few hours afterwards 

 is seen an enlargement at this place. 



The first object to be effected is to remove the in- 

 flammation. A high-heeled or patten-shoe should be 

 placed upon the foot, so as to throw the weight off the 

 affected part; the hock should be bathed with the 

 solution of the tincture of arnica ; at the same time, if 

 the lameness is very acute, a dose of physic should be 

 given, and absolute quietude be enjoined. 

 m 3 



