208 VETEKINAKY MEDICINE AND SUKGEKY. 



BRUSHING. 



Synonyms. — Interfering, cutting. 



Definition. — Striking the fetlock by the opposite foot, sometimes 

 causing a contusion only, but more often scratching or abrading the 

 surface. Commonly interfering is between the hind feet only. 



Etiology. — Bad shoeing; the clinched point of a nail, not sufficiently 

 turned in or filed, will sometimes lacerate the' opposite fetlock badly. 

 Horses when fatigued are more apt to interfere. 



Symptoms. — More or less severe transient lameness; if badly struck, 

 the horse will flinch and carry the injured leg off the ground for several 

 steps, and limp for some time before the pain subsides. 



Treatment. — A shoe made thick at the heel on the inside, and a 

 boot on the opposite leg. If the fetlock is badly bruised, foment with: 



Chloride of ammonium ^ i. 



Nitrate of potassium 5 ij. 



Water § xvi. 



Thoroughly dry after each washing, and if cut apply Pinus canadensis or 

 tar. 



'■ SPEEDY-CUT. 



Definition. — This is an injury caused by the one fore-foot wounding 

 the opposite leg immediately below, and sometimes just above, the knee. 

 It is usually inflicted at the gallop, when the horse has begun to tire. 



Symptoms. — Heat and swelling, accompanied by the formation of 

 pus, about the injured part, which is very sensitive. After a day or two, 

 an abscess may appear, or the swelling may feel like a sac containing pus. 



Treatment. — If pus is present, open the abscess freely, to give it vent; 

 bathe the parts with warm water, and afterward with a weak solution of: 



Acetate of zinc gr. xxv. 



Water 1 pint 



Use as soon as the acetate is dissolved. 



If left alone, the abscess will often become hard; if it is desirable to 



