210 DISEASES OF THE HOESE. 



shoe of the opposite fore-foot, and is prevented by driving 

 slower, and nailing the shoe on one side only. 



Treatment. Apply cold water cloths, and if the swelling 

 does not all go away, follow with the application of the 

 red iodide of mercury, in the form of an ointment, once a 

 week, for a few times, and lard or grease the parts till 

 the next application. Boots are sometimes used as a pre- 

 ventative. 



Spleen Diseases. — The diseases of this organ are 

 obscure, and chiefly consist of enlargements, tubercles, 

 softening, rupture, and tumors. The symptoms attending 

 these affections are not well marked. 



Splint. — A small bony enlargement, situated usually 

 on the inside of the fore-legs, about midway between the 

 knee and the pastern joint. When splint begins to grow, 

 it sometimes produces lameness by stretching the covering 

 of the bone, which, however, soon accommodates itself to 

 the altered structure. 



Cause. Working horses when too young, and before the 

 leg and splint bone have become united. Hence, splints 

 disappear when the horse grows older, and the unity of 

 these bones takes place. 



Treatment. O le or two applications of this ointment: 

 Red iodide of mercury, or tincture of Sj)anish fly, one 

 ounce ; oil of croton, twenty drops. Mix, and apply with 

 rubbing. 



Sprains. — By this term is meant partial displacement ; 

 the twisting of a joint with more or less injury to the 

 articulations, ligaments, tendons and their sheaths. At 

 times small portions of the bones of the joint are separated. 

 Indeed, every variety and degree of severity is to be seen 

 in sprains of difierent parts. Every joint is liable tc 



