564 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



three slips of wood, about 'three inches wide, and half an inch thick, 

 reaching from the elbow to the foot, with the edges beveled and well 

 padded, and nailed together with three straps, which, buckle in 

 front. This, placed one at each side, and one behind, prevents 

 flexion or extension of the joint entirely, and leaves it open to be 

 dressed at pleasure, without undoing the splints. A large poultice 

 of linseed or datmeal should be applied cold, and continued until 

 the granulations spring up from the bottom to close the wound. ' 

 This simple plan of treatment is infinitely more soothing, and 

 at the same time more successful, than the former methods 

 of plastering it up with lime, flour, powdered blue-stone, oxide 

 of zinc, white vitriol, etc. To some, these may seem very con- 

 venient and effectual methods of stopping the discharge, and, 

 doubtless, in some cases they may succeed if circumstances are 

 favorable ; but in many cases when an artificial plug is thus formed, 

 it merely plugs it up for a little time. By and by, ulceration of the 

 skin occurs, the plug falls out before the internal parts have healed, 

 and the consequence is, that we have a far larger and more danger- 

 ous wound than before. In changing the poultice, be sure not to 

 remove any of the coagula of synovia that may have formed around 

 the opening. The poultice must be simply removed and changed, 

 without washing the wound. 



When the granulations become extuberant, they can be regu- 

 lated by squeezing a sponge of cold water over it, or dust on a little 

 oxide of zinc. Nothing, however, must be injected into the wound, 

 as is sometimes done. Punctured wounds of joints must be treated 

 on the same principle ; the joint must be kept perfectly still, and 

 the granulations encouraged by poultices, etc. 



Very often there are wounds in front of the knees, usually 

 caused by falling or striking against some hard object, which may 

 be more or less severe, according to circumstances.. In a simple 

 case of abrasion, but little if any treatment will be necessary; if 

 much bruised, with skin broken, tie short to a high rack to prevent 

 lying down. Bandage the part tightly, and keep wet with a mild 

 astringent, such as — 



Sugar of lead ... i J oz. 



Carbolic acid .' .■ •.<..; 50 or 60 drops. 



Water ' , If to 2 qts. 



Keep the horse quiet until the inflammation is subdued. 



The best lotion in my judgment for these bruises and superficial 

 cuts of the skin, is calendula. It has the best effect in reducing in- 



