DOCKINO. 367 



On the principle of exciting the absorbents to action for the 

 removal of tumors, as spavin or splent, a blister is quicker in 

 its action, and far more effectual than any seton Firing is still 

 more useful.* 



DOCKING. 



The shortening of the tail of the horse is an operation which 

 "ashion and the convenience of the ridsr require to be performed 

 m most of these animals. 



The operation is simple. That joint is searched for which is 

 ;he nearest to the desired length of tail. The hair is then turned 

 ap, and tied round with tape for an inch or two above this joint, 

 and that which lies immediately upon this joint is cut off. The 

 horse is fettered with the side-hne, and then the veterinary sur- 

 geon with his docking-machine, or the farmer with his' carving- 

 knife and mallet, cuts through the tail at one stroke. 



The bleeding which ensues is rarely injurious, but as it would 

 occasionally continue some hours and weaken the animal, it is 

 customary to stop it by the application of a hot iron. 



A large hole is made in the centre of the iron, that the bone 

 may not be seared, wliioh would exfoliate (scale off) if it were 

 burned with any severity, or drop off at the joint above, and thus 

 shorten the dock. The iron rests on the muscular parts round 

 the bone, and is brought into contact with the bleeding vessels, 

 and very speedily stops the bleeding. Care should be taken that 

 the iron is not too hot — and that it is not held too long or too 

 forcibly on the part, for many more horses would be destroyed by 

 severe application of the cautery, than by the bleeding being left 

 to its own course. 



Powdered resin, sprinlded on the stump, or indeed any other 

 application, is worse than useless. It causes unnecessary irrita- 

 tion, and sometimes extensive ulceration ; but if the simple iron 

 is moderately applied, the horse may go to work immediately 

 al'ter the operation, and no dressing will be afterwards required 

 Tf a slight bleeding should occur after the cautery, it is much 

 better to let it alone than to run the risk of inflammation or 

 locked-jaw, by re-applying the iron with greater severity. 



Some farmers dock their colts a few days after they are drop- 

 ped. This is a commendable custom on the score of humanity 

 No colt was ever lost by it ; and neither the growth of the haii, 

 nor the beauty of the tail, is in the least impaired. 



* Note by Mr. Spooner. — We are more favorable than our author to the 

 3se of setons ; they are equally effectual and far more cleanly than rowela, 

 and a deep-seated and continued action may be kept up with little or no 

 pain to the animal. They are often preferable to other methods of treat- 

 ment for diseases of the hocks, and we have found tlie use of the frog seton, 

 in many instances extremely beneficia(. 



