394 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 
the region. And yet it is important to decide as to which par- 
licular 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 
cr 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. 
