174 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



intended to result from the external irritation is not soon produced, 

 and the benefit derived from pressure proceeds still more slowly. In 

 the thickened and tender state of the skin, and the substance beneath,' 

 for some weeks after firing, a return to hard work would be likely to 

 excite a new inflammation, and cause even worse mischief than that 

 which before existed. 



Some weeks pass before the tumefied parts begin to lessen, and they 

 only who have had experience in these cases would imagine how long, 

 with gentle voluntary exercise, the process of absorption is carried on. 

 He, therefore, who whould expect that much good should accrue from 

 the operation of firing, must be content to give up his horse for three or 

 four months; but if he will use him sooner, and a worse lameness 

 should follow, let him blame his own impatience, and not the inefficiency 

 of the means, or want of skill in the surgeon. 



The firing in every case should be either in longitudinal or parallel 

 lines. On the back sinews, the fetlock, and the coronet, this is 

 peculiarly requisite, for thus only will the skin contract so as to form 

 the greatest and most equable pressure. 



The operation of firing is one that I am thoroughly practiced in, 

 competent to perform in the most successful manner. 



BLOOD SPAVIN, THOROUGH PIN, 



Soft enlargements upon the hock. If not of long standing, 

 the following will be found very 

 effective, though simple : Rub 

 on soft soap, to which has been 

 added a little salt, at night, and 

 wash off in the morning. Two 

 or three applications will cure, 

 if recently caused. If of long 

 duration, blister two or three 

 times, as for bone spavin. 



Thorough Pin. 



SPLINTS. 



This is an enlargement between 

 the cannon and splint bones, show- 

 ing itself on the inside of the fore 

 leg. The same treatment as for 

 spavin. 



Changes that may Splint, 

 be Produced. 



