THE HORSE, ITS DISEASES. 46^ 



this to dry without movement and it will hold the parts firm. If the strain 

 occurs in the fetlock, hock, or knee, this will be indicated. For a lighter 

 strain, a simple cold water bandage will suffice. 



In all strains, rest must be given, the diet should be light but whole- 

 some, and if the bowels become costive, they must be stimulated to action 

 by alterative medicines. Strains of the ligaments or muscles must be 

 met with cold water bandages. In all strains, however, dependence in 

 the early stage must be upon arnica, equal parts of the tincture and rain 

 water. Bathe the parts thoroughly and carefully two or three times a 

 day, and then apply the cold water bandage, keeping it wet. 



If the strain is in the shoulder or loin, lay a wet blanket over the part 

 affected, and cover with a dry one, changing as often as may be neces- 

 sary. Sponge the affected parts with the diluted tincture of arnica, as 

 before recommended. 



This, with rest, a light diet, keeping the bowels regular, and an ounce 

 of cream of tartar to the bucket of water, ought to subdue any curable 

 «ase of strain. 



H. Over-reach. 



CausSS- — A tired horse, especially when going at a fast pace, sometimes 

 fails to lift the fore feet quick enough. The result is the inner part of 

 the hind foot strikes the outer side of the coronet of the fore foot, or 

 higher, often producing a severely lacerated or contused wound. 



What to do. — The only remedy is to clip the torn portions away, and 

 keep the parts washed with chloride of zinc, (No. 195), first cleansing the 

 l)aits with water if at all dirty. The healing must take place through 

 the sloughing of the torn parts, and by granulation. If slight, tincture 

 of arnica will be sufficient as a lotion. Treads from calking may receive 

 the same general treatment. 



m. Brushing, or Speedy Cut. 



This is a bruise, abrasion of the skin, or contused wound, produced by 

 the shoe of one foot striking the opposite fetlock ankle, or even the knee. 

 It is more owing to weakness than other causes, though a horse striking 

 once is more liable to the same injury thereafter. It is really the foot 

 that is resting on the ground that causes the hurt, from its being put 

 down out of the proper line. 



What to do. — For horses of slow or moderate driving, the difficulty is 

 confined to striking the ankle and below. The usual remedy is to cause 

 the horse to set his foot in proper line by raising that side of the shoe, 

 thus throwing the inside of the ankle slightly up. Any common sensf 



