THE HORSE, ITS DISEASES. 441 



No. 180. 2 Drachms oil of rosemary, 



>i Ounce powdered cantharides, 

 4 Ounces mercurial ointment. 



Grind thoroughly together and rub on heating it in -with a warm iron. 



If there is simply swelling, in old cases, thorough and frequent rubbing 

 with oleate of mercury will dissipate what swelling has not actually be- 

 come bone. Setons are also most valuable in spavin. Thfe needle should 

 be passed for a considerable space under the skin, over the seat of spavin. 

 AjK)int the tape with the following ; 



No. 181. 1 Part powdered white hellebore, 



8 Parts lard, 

 Mix with gentle heat. 



Before the application of either blister or seton we would advise 

 thrusting a narrow-pointed bistoury under the sprain and scarifying the 

 parts. In no event, however, should resort be had to cutting away the 

 bony parts which have formed, with mallet and chisel, as we have seen 

 them. It is barbarous, inhuman, and can do no good whatever. Some 

 cases will absolutely resist all and any means foi cure ; others again will 

 yield kindly in from one to three months. In young horses if treatment 

 be given in time, a cure may generally be effected. With old horses the 

 cure is difficult. 



V. Enlargement of the Hock. 



Nature has protected the hocks in a most ample manner, to prevent 

 injury under ordinary circumstances, and in fact, under exceptional cir- 

 cumstances, except those of an accidental or violent nature. From vari- 

 ous bruises or strains, inflammation and lameness may ensue. Eest and 

 fomentations will generally set this right if taken early. Sometimes, 

 however, the enlargement will continue to grow in spite of all efforts to 

 the contrary, and until the entire joint is involved. 



How to know it. — ^There are two forms of this disease. In one, the 

 tendons and cartilages only are affected. This will generally yield to 

 fomentations and a few applications of oleate of mercury. If not, blister, 

 using the prescription No. 180. Another form is more serious. From 

 a severe blow or other cause, there is a bruise of the bone, b}^ which the 

 investing membrane, called the periosteum, is either severely strained or 

 torn loose, giving rise to inflammation and formation and deposit of bony 

 matter on the surface of the bone, sometimes to such a degree that the 

 parts are of excessive size, and the leg so lame that it is only with great 

 difiiculty the animal can walk. The animal may, indeed, as in the case 



