66 AILMENTS AND REMEDIES CONTINTED. 



Knuckling, or cocked ankle, is a condition of the fetlock 

 joint which resembles partial dislocation. The trouble is not 

 considered unsoundness, but it predisposes to stumbling. 

 .Foals are quite subject to it, and no treatment is necessary, 

 as the legs straighten up naturally in a few weeks. It is 

 caused in horses by heavy and fast work, and is produced 

 sometimes by a disease of the suspensory ligament, or of 

 the flexor tendons. This should be relieved by proper shoe- 

 ing. The toe must be shortened and the heels left high, or 

 the shoe should be thin forward with thick heels or high 

 calks. 



A Splint may be rubbed off and the w r ork aided by putting 

 on a liniment, but few would persevere in the rubbing long 

 enough to make a cure. A blister will do it. 



If the Fetlock be Sprained, and the injury slight, bandage 

 and apply cold w r ater frequently. Where the lameness is 

 intense, and the swelling and heat great, the leg should be 

 kept in a constant stream of cold water. When the inflam- 

 mation has been subdued the joint should be blistered. 



Ring Bone is an osseous exudation or bony deposit at the 

 crown of the hoof. When its presence is first detected the 

 place should be severely blistered once or twice, or red 

 iodide of mercury applied. If this fail, firing with the hot 

 iron in the hands of a competent surgeon will be necessary. 



If you have a suspicion of a Spavin coming on your horse, 

 employ a good veterinary surgeon. Heroic treatment is the 

 only thing in such cases. Judicious firing, strong blistering 

 and perfect rest for at least six weeks or two months, and 

 good nursing will, in most cases, arrest the disease and cure 

 lameness. It is the result of too great exposure in draught 

 or speed, or from slipping and kindred causes. 



Scratches or grease is frequently proof of carelessness in 

 clearing stables, and includes poor ventilation. The trouble 



