FIRING FOR SPAVIN. 



203 



right ; when, as before, rake the edge back and forth on the plank 

 or floor : and go on until you get the surface to be fired done. The 

 deeper you fire, the more extensive the inflammation ; 

 the lighter, the less. Usually, all the in- 

 flammation that can be obtained is desira- 

 ble ; but, on the other hand, it is impor- 

 tant not to leave a blemish, and this is sure 

 to follow if the skin is cut or burned 

 through. 



Put the horse now in his stall, and next 

 day, if the firing is deep and looks very dry, 

 rub on a little lard. This will soften 

 the skin, and render it less likely to 

 ulcerate. In a day or two, if you see any 

 part disposed to slough, take a little of the 

 Magic Healing Powder, given in anoth- 

 er page, and dust it on. This is one 

 of the nicest healing preparations I ever 

 saw, and works finely here. When the 

 leg looks dry, put on a little more grease ; 

 but be careful about putting much, or too 

 often, as it lessens the action of the fir- 

 ing quite rapidly, which is what you do 



A front view of not want ' Nothin S more is necessary to 

 a le fired be done. Let the leg alone, being careful A back view of 

 for strain of to keep the horse tied a little short, for he the lines for 

 the back ten- may tr y to bite the part, and cause a severe &&&. 



blemish. 



A good action of firing will, run some two weeks or more. The 

 inflammation will gradually go down, until the lines heal and draw up 

 together, forming a 

 bit of a seam. In 

 about three weeks 

 the inflammation 

 will be about all 

 out. The lameness 

 will usually disap- 

 pear as the inflam- 

 mation now sub- 

 sides. If there is 

 much enlargement 

 and much soreness, A gide view of ^ el)est forra of fi r i n g.ir 0n one-half size, 

 you may now apply 



a little of the biniodide of mercury ointment, mentioned on page 198, 



about one part of 

 biniodide of mer- 

 cury to two or 

 three parts of lard, 

 more or less, ac- 

 cording to the strength desired, and rub on with the hand several 

 minutes. Do not attempt to drive or use the horse for five or six 

 weeks, or more, if you can avoid doing so. 



A view of the edge of the firing-iron, one-half size. 



