178 THE VETERINARY DOCTOR. 
keeping the horse quiet, is to close the opening and stop the discharge, 
Various expedients are resorted to. In slight cases the white of an egg, 
beaten well and applied to the opening, may stop the oil. When the 
opening is large, one part of calendula tincture to three of water is better, 
and may suffice. Perhaps the best, as well as the simplest, method is to 
apply to the opening with the handle of a spoon fresh finely-powdered, 
slaked lime, putting it on every time the oil appears, both day and night, 
never removing one coat, but putting every ftew application upon the old. 
In some cases the only effective means is the sewing of the wound, leaving 
a chance for it to swell without tearing out the stitches. 
In open knee-joint, cleanse the wound thoroughly, cut off with scissors 
the cut parts which will eventually slough off, and stitch up the wound, 
after which it may be well to apply the white of egg, spread on a cloth 
and bound with broad tape. Keep the horse’s head tied up so he can not 
lie down. In about a week remove the bandage and cleanse the wound, 
not removing the coagulum in the opening, and keeping water out of 
zt, After the discharge stops apply one part of calendula to eight parts 
of water four times a day or oftener. The knee may be kept at rest by a 
gutta-percha splint, twelve inches long and four wide, first softened in 
hot water, then fitted snugly to the irregularities of the back part of the 
leg, and secured by bandages around the leg above and below the knee. 
A small opening may be made in the front to admit applications for the 
wound. Though for all large openings the slaked lime is the best applica- 
tion, powdered sulphate of zinc, corrosive sublimate, collodion, and cotton- 
wool have been used with marked effects. A strong decoction of butternut 
bark is very effectual. The diet should consist of green food and bran- 
mashes. 
PRICK IN THE FOOT. 
Prick in the foot arises from the smith driving a nail so as to injure 
the sensitive parts of the foot; from the animal picking up a sharp stone, 
thorn, piece of glass, nail, or other sharp body, which in some cases enters 
the toe, wounds a joint, and lets out joint-oil. 
Symptoms.—lf the cause is a nail in shoeing, the horse may flinch at 
the time, or may go lame the next day, being pained if the hoof be tapped 
with a hammer; lameness; hot and tender foot; sometimes a black, pus- 
like discharge issues from the wound when opened; the sole probably 
“ under-run.”’ 
TREATMENT.—Make a free opening for the matter to escape; bathe 
the foot for a half-hour in warm water; pour in a solution of calendula, one 
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