METHODS OF RESTRAINT AND COMMON OPERATIONS 189 



at the same time gently but firmly pushing the catheter upward 

 the difficulty may be overcome. The bladder of the mare may be 

 emptied by pressing upon it with the hand inserted in the rectum. 



FIRING 



Firing is the application of a hot iron or the thermocautery to a 

 part for the purpose of bringing more blood (nutrition) to it. It 

 has for its object the conversion of a chronic into an acute inflam- 

 mation. When properly used it hastens nature's processes and 

 makes the animal suitable for work sooner than would otherwise 

 be the case. A more detailed account of the kinds, uses, and man- 

 ner of applying this method of cautery is given in the section on 

 Treatment for Bone Diseases. For cases of sprained tendons and 

 ligaments after acute inflammatory symptoms have subsided it is 

 very useful to strengthen the weakened tissues. ^ 



KILLING 



Killing a horse is a somewhat unpleasant duty which every 

 horse-owner may be called upon at any time to perform. The 

 most effective way is to shoot the animal. The place where the 

 bullet should enter is accurately located at the point of intersec- 

 tion of two imaginary lines drawn from the bases of the ears to the 

 opposite eyes. Even with a .22 caliber firearm the animal will 

 drop dead, without a struggle, on the spot upon which he has been 



standing. 



REDUCING RUPTURE 



A rupture is a condition in which a loop of the bowel has escaped 

 from the abdominal cavity and Ues superficially beneath the 

 unbroken skin. The resulting enlargement yields to pressure, 

 and may be reduced by working the contents through the hernial 

 ring. Rupture occurs most frequently at the navel, but is not rare 

 in the scrotum and at points along the abdominal wall where there 

 is a weak spot. A kick or a blow are common causes of hernia after 

 birth. At the navel it often results from a weakness left when the 

 navel cord became detached, and is known as umbilical hernia. 

 Ruptures are not uncommon in colts. They frequently outgrow 

 the trouble, so it is wise to defer surgical interference until they are 

 at least one year old, unless there is danger of strangulation by 

 pressure. When an operation is deemed necessary an expert sur- 

 geon should be summoned, as adhesions may have occurred that 



