THE HOnyE, 8KIX DISEASES, ETC. 267 



IV. Swelled Ankles. 



Causes. — This affection invariably arises from a diseased condition ot 

 Ihc feet. Its origin may sometimes be traced to diseases of the navicular 

 and lower pastern joints ; but it is known to proceed for the most part 

 from hoof rot. It seems occasionally, however, to result from a 

 plethoric condition of the general system, a superabundance of blood, 

 hara work, severe strains, etc., etc. 



How to Know It. — Confined almost wholly to the ankle joints, it is not 

 difficult of detection — the only point of importance being to determine 

 whether the swelling is merely spasmodic and temporary, or whether it 

 is the result of a primary disorder which requires attention. It is 

 generally perceptible of a morning, and disappears during the day, 

 because exercise restores healthful action ; but when there is really a 

 diseased condition of the bottom of the foot, the fever caused thereby 

 inflames the membrane of the joint, under the skin, while the horse is 

 inactive, and the swelling again takes place. If the ankles present a 

 swollen appearance from morning to morning, attention should be 

 directed to discover the real condition of the foot ; and appropriate 

 treatment must be resorted to before the disease takes the chronic and 

 more advanced form of swelled legs, cracked heels, or scratches. 



What to do. — If the swelling proceeds from plethora, or too gi-eat 

 fulness of the general system, give an occasional dose of Epsom salts, to 

 reduce the tendency to inflammation ; and feed upon green and succu- 

 ient food. 



If it proceeds from soreness of the bottom of the foot, apply No. 2 

 freely every day for four days ; then omit for two days, and apply again. 

 If there is any appearance of thrush or cracked heels, treat as directed 

 for the removal of these. 



V. Swelled Legs. 



Causes. — Swelled legs may be the result either of an undue deposit of 

 serum or watery particles of the blood, or of inflammation of the cellular 

 tissue lying between the skin and bones in those parts of the leg most 

 destitute of muscles. 



A poor condition of the blood, or feebleness from great loss of it, may 

 cjuse the legs to swell, since the fluids conveyed to the extremities by 

 the capillaries accumulate there, because, in the absence of muscular 

 activity, the veins have no power to return them. Diseased kidneys 

 have a tendency to produce this disorder of the leo-s. 



The inflammatory type may result from blows upon the lower leg ; 

 Trom concussion; or, in general, from anything that may aiTest the 



