THE HORSE, ITS DISEASES. 47 1 



sargeon cannot be had with proper appliances for caring for the horse he 

 had better be killed at once. 



Besides injury to the knee by falling, it is sometimes injured by having 

 some sharp substance driven forcibly into the ligaments or even between 

 the joints. These should be carefully looked for and removed, since old 

 running sores, fistulas and other disabilities may result, completely des- 

 troying the usefulness of the animal. Joints other than the knee may be 

 similarly injured. If so, the general treatment should be the same. 

 First reduce the inflammation, and then use means for cure. In ordinary 

 cases, as a healing agent, in wounds, either lacerated or contused, we 

 have never found anything better for promoting healthy granulation or 

 **©aling of the parts than a free use of tincture of aloes and myrrh. 



V Capped Elbow. 



Causes. — This tumor at the back point of the elbow is generally caused 

 by a bruise inflicted by the calkings of the shoe while the horse has slept 

 with his legs doubled up under him. Inflammation of the sub-cellular 

 tissue is established, and that condition sets in which gives rise to enlarge- 

 ments by increased deposit near the part. The tumor is circumscribed, 

 being confined to the elbow, but it sometimes grows to an enormous size, 

 and hangs loosely from the back point of the elbow, and interferes with 

 its action. 



It may be produced also by long heels, as well as calkins, by striking 

 with the shod hind foot, by a blow, and by lying on uneven surfaces. 



How to know it. — A slight swelling of the point of the elbow is first 

 perceived, and unless ^he cause is removed this will gradually develop 

 into a large-sized tumor. When of any considerable size, it will contain 

 serum, or a watery matter, and has a fluctuating feeling to the fingers. 

 This fluid is contained in tough, fibrous walls, and may remain for a long 

 time, or it may at last be absorbed, and leave a hard tumor. At this 

 stage there will of course be no fluctuation. 



What to do. — If discovered in its early stage, and serum is evidently 

 present, let it out by opening the sac at the lower edge with a keen knife, 

 or a thumb lancet. Press upon it so as thoroughly to remove the fluid.* 

 Then, with a small rubber syringe, inject a mixture of equal parts of 

 pyroligneous acid and water. Next, moisten it externally, morning and 

 night, with the camphorated corrosive sublimate. No. 2, which will have 

 the better effect if dried in at once with a hot iron held near. Before 

 the horse is allowed to lie down again, make a soft pad, covered with 

 chamois skin, without a seam on the outer side, of such thickness as to 

 keep the shoe from striking the elbow when the leg is doubled under him. 



