SPRAIN OF THE BACK TENDONS. 553 



low the fetlock. To keep it in place, secure a wide tape or strip of 



cloth to the upper edge of the bag, pass it over the shoulder, and 



fasten to the opposite edge ; next take bran, to which add a. little 



salt, and pour on it as much boiling water as will bring it to a thin 



consistence. While hot as the horse caii bear, fill the bag with it. 



This will form a poultice around the part, and keep it moist and 



sweating. It can be kept hot by pouring on hot watier occasionally, 



and should be renewed, if necessary, in twenty-four hours, and so 



continued until the inflammation subsides. In all cases of severe 



sprain, a purgative should be given ; it reduces the fever, and acts 



as a counter-irritant. In, any event give opening, easily digested 



food. ■•',.' V 



Having in this way reduced the inflammation, if the swelling 



still remains, apply a good strong liniment or blister. The binio- 



dide of mercury ointment is best in these cases, and should be 



repeated :-^ 



Biniodide of mercury .1% dr. 



Lard 1 oz. 



A run at pasture will generally complete the cure. Sometimes, 

 by repeated sprains, the tendons become considerably thickened (as 

 shown in Fig. 857), in which case firing is preferable. Sometimes, 

 from repeated sprains, the tendons become contracted, causing the 

 animal to go on his toe ; in these cases, the operation, of tenotomy, 

 or cutting the tendons, is advisable. 



The following treatment for sprains, which is given for insertion 

 by a leading practitioner, will be found good :— 



First wash with very hot water five or ten minutes at a time, 



then apply the following mixture : — \ 



Tincture opium i . . . , 2 oz. 



Chloroform '. . . : 1 oz. 



Fluid extract aconite 1 oz. 



Soap liniment , . . . . 7} oz. 



To be applied two or three times a day after bathing the parts 

 with hot water. ' , 



If constipated and feverish, a slight purging ball should be 

 given. If the case has run two or three days, and is assuming a sub- 

 acute stage, then stimulating liniment must be used. . The follow- 

 ing may be used :^~ 



Aqua ammonia < . . . .2 oz. 



Spirits of camphor '.' ,.". .."..3Joz. 



Alcohol 7} oz. 



To be rubbed on two or three times a day until the skin be- 

 comes sore. 



