HORSES. 29 



and hand. In a severe strain, some say it is a good plan to 

 give a dose of physic to keep down inflammation, and reduce 

 the tendency to extreme swelling. The limb should be bathed 

 with warm water fas directed on page 22). Elliman's should 

 be rubbed in for a quarter of an hour, and then the part padded 

 with cotton wool, and lastly bandaged with ordinary woollen 

 material, but not too tightly. 



There is much art in this matter of bandaging, especially in 

 the case of lameness. Judicious pressure will help the Elliman's 

 in its work of absorbing inflammatory products, but a too tight 

 application will prevent the return of the blood in the veins, and 

 aggravate the condition which it was intended to cure. 



Prevention. — Not much can be done to anticipate such 

 accidents as the above, but some race-horses and hunters are 

 provided with what are called "plasters," which consist of 

 chamois leather sewn to the shape of the leg between the knee 

 and fetlock. If a weak point is to be fortified it should be 

 rubbed at intervals with the Elliman's so as to give it support. 

 As much rest as possible should be allow^ed after an accident 

 of this kind. 



SPRAIN OF THE CHECK LIGAMENT. 



This is an even more disastrous accident than sprung back- 

 tendons, and some time must elapse before the animal can return 

 to work. 



Causes. — The same as those mentioned in connection with 

 back tendons (see page 28). 



Treatment. — Before the advantages of Elliman's were fully 

 know^n, it was the custom to fire .deeply and then to turn out the 

 horse to grass for a whole year or more. Now^ no such cruel 

 method is necessary, and recovery may be expected by repeated 

 applications of Elliman's, the number and frequency of them 

 being left to the judgment of the owner, who will be guided 

 by the forming of the scurf and the declining of the swelling. 

 The support of cotton wool and bandages is here also 

 recommended. 



