THE HORSE—THE EXTREMITIES. 177 
Symptoms.—lIf it comes on suddenly, lameness occurs at once; if 
gradually, lameness comes on slowly; shuffling of the feet, or very slight 
lifting of them; repeated stumbling; narrow heels (especially the inner 
one) of the fore feet; the affected foot while the horse stands is placed 
forward; both feet being affected, this position is taken by them alternately ; 
occasionally the foot is pinched up so as to offer little surface to the ground; 
sometimes marked hollowness of the foot, obscurity of the sole, and the 
clefts of the frog nearly invisible; retraction and indentation externally 
between the crown and crust, generally midway between them. 
TREATMENT.—Regular exercise, plenty of moisture properly applied 
with pads to the foot, careful fastening of the shoes, with frequent changes 
of the same, will prevent further development, and correct the trouble. 
OPEN JOINTS. 
The pastern, hock, knee, and stifle joints are liable to be opened by 
blows, falls, sharp-pointed instruments and other mechanical agencies. 
SLING FoR OPEN JOINTS. 
Symptoms.—Joint-oil, like the white of an egg, is discharged; in a 
day or so swelling and fever; pain; perhaps lock-jaw, or permanent 
stiffness of the joint. 
TREATMENT.—Keep the horse quiet so the joint is not in action. If 
the opening be large, or when it isin a large joint, as the stifle, put the 
horse in slings. Ten drops of aconite every three hours should be given 
if there be much pain and fever. The greatest difficulty, aside from 
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