394 DISEASKS OF THE HORSE. 



(lie region. And yet it is important to decide as to which par- 

 ticular structure is affected in reference to the question of prog- 

 nosis, as the degree of gravity of the lesion will depend largely upon 

 whether the disabled condition of the animal is due to an acute 

 or a chronic disease. 



Treatment. — The prescription which will necessarily first of all 

 suggest itself for sprains of the loins is rest. An animal so affected 

 should be immediately placed in slings, and none of his efforts to 

 release himself should be allowed to succeed. Hot compresses, cold- 

 water douches, sweating applications, stimulating frictions, strength- 

 ening charges, blistering ointments of cantharides and the actual 

 cautery, all have their advocates, but in no case can the immobility 

 obtained by the slings be dispensed with. In many cases in which 

 the weakness of the hind quarters was caused by disease of the 

 nervous centers electricity has also yielded good results. 



