I 



SADDLE GALLS. 99 



Pi^eventive measui-es, as far as bits are concerned, are fairly well 

 indicated in the preceding paragraph. If the teeth be at fault 

 we can set matters right by the tooth-rasp. 



Rest and the frequent application of burnt alum or a saturated 

 solution of boric acid, will generally be enough in mild cases. If 

 pus forms, we should apply with a camel-hair brush a small quantity 

 of an antiseiDtic (p. 67), such as a solution of chloride of zinc, 20 

 grains to the ounce of water, or turpentine, once every two days. 

 All diseased portions of bone should be removed. With the object 

 of obtaining a satisfactory cure, it is well to restrict the patient's 

 food to green grass or other laxative herbage. The advisability 

 of avoiding all causes of irritation, especially those which gave rise 

 to the original injury, is self-evident. 



Punctures from Thorns, etc. 



These accidents are most common about the fetlock, knee, and 

 forearm. When inflicted on the last-mentioned part, they are apt 

 to give rise to serious consequences, owing to the tendency which 

 the pus (matter) that forms, has to burrow down towards the knee 

 by reason of the fibrous nature of the muscles of the forearm. If 

 a thorn deeply penetrates the skin close to a joint, it is advisable, 

 when it cannot be removed without cutting down upon it, to shave 

 the hair and to blister the spot. The seriousness of the injury may 

 generally be estimated, by observing the extent of the ensuing 

 lameness. The blister, by preventing motion, will obviate the 

 danger of the thorn working further in. It will also act as an 

 antiseptic. If the puncture be near a joint, the blister will tend 

 to prevent the entrance of air, and will thus lessen the risk of open 

 joint ; and, by softening the skin, it will help the thorn or other 

 foreign body to work out. Poultices may be used when the puncture 

 is at a distance from a joint. Much harm is often done by searching 

 for thorns, etc., with the knife. Capped knee and capped fetlock 

 are sometimes caused by thorns penetrating the synovial sacs of 

 these joints. 



Saddle Galls and Sore Backs. 



Under this heading are included the ordinary injuries inflicted 

 on a horse's body by the use of a saddle. 



The construction of cross saddles and side saddles, which is a 

 subject closely connected with sore backs, is described, respectively, 

 in " Hiding and Hunting," and " The Horsewoman " (2nd Edition). 



VARIETIES. — ^The chief varieties of these injuries are those of 

 the withers; of that portion of the back which is just behind the 



