DISEASES OF THE BONES. 419 



ice-water, about two weeks,. When the inflammation may pass off. 

 A dose of physic may also be given. Or a very simple way, and ac- 

 cording to my judgment the best, is to 

 throw a strong stream of cold water against 

 the part for twelve or fifteen minutes, re- 

 peating two or three times a day as before 

 explained. If past the first stage, and the 

 case has become chronic, the, only reason- 

 able treatment is counter-irritation and rest, 

 or keeping up sufficient local inflammation, 

 without dissolving or blistering the skin, to 

 arouse nature sufficiently to produce anchy- 

 losis, or a union of the bones involved. 



There are two methods of treatment for 

 this : First, if not very serious, by blistering ; 

 second, by what is termed "firing." This is 

 done in two, ways: First, by burning lines 

 over the skin with a feather-edged iron Fio. 718.— Small Spavin, 

 sufficiently close and deep to produce an <;, 



extensive external inflammation, but without breaking or destroy- 

 ing the skin ; second, by burning small holes into and around the 

 diseased parts. On the following page are given a few of the best 

 practical remedies. 



Blistering is adapted for only simple 

 cases, so that when serious, firing is the 

 most reliable and effectual treatment. In 

 t^. case of either blistering or firing, the hair 

 should first be clipped from two to three 

 inches above and below- the enlargement, 

 and out to the middle of the hind and fore 

 part of the leg. A favorite remedy used 

 by one of the best practitioners in the 

 country is prepared and applied as fol- 

 lows : — 



Biniodide of mercury. . . . , .3 dr. 



Iodide of potass . ..:... ,1 dr. 



Iodine in crystals, pulverized 1$ dr. 



Blue ointment (mercurial) . . 1 oz. 



Lard. .... ; 1 oz. 



Fig. 719.— Very Large Spavin. 



Mix, and apply to the seat of the spavin 



three days. When the parts become sore, omit the. treatment for 



the same length of time ; then apply once in three days for two 



weeks, after which stop all, treatment. 



