STRANGLES. O11 
of the blade to enter the abscess as is above the nail of the member— 
this is usually about three-quarters of an inch. The thickness of the 
skin, increased by disease, requires so much; and if not, the pus, accu- 
mulated beneath the skin, will save the more important parts from being 
injured. 
The leg being raised and the head guided upward by the elevation of 
the twitch, the operator approaches the horse. He looks well at the 
OPENING THE ABSCESS OF STRANGLES. 
part he has to open, and mentally determines where to make his incision. 
Ile also ascertains the extent of the tumor. This is necessary; for if 
the swelling be to one side, a single incision will be sufficient; but if 
this extend (as is usually the case) from right to left, two incisions are 
requisite. In either case the surgeon seizes the left rein with the left 
hand, and, placing his right hand in a proper position, by a short and 
simple motion of the wrist the knife is driven through the skin. 
The horse, during every operation, is usually blinded. Darkness 
invariably increases terror, and is unnecessary, since the horse cannot 
see what is being done under its jaw; nevertheless, the creature is obvi- 
ously amused by watching the people about it. From the behavior, 
we have no reason to imagine the animal draws any conclusions. To 
blind the horse is, therefore, to increase to fears of excessive timidity. 
It is easily accomplished. Double a handkerchief into close longitudinal 
folds; then tie either end to the sides of the bridle, so that the handker- 
chief may rest upon the eyes, and the object is attained. 
Every case of strangles will not be settled so readily. Occasionally 
the soreness of the internal throat will cause much annoyance. The 
animal is continually gulping its saliva. When it attempts to drink, 
the fluid flows back through the nostrils. The animal will not eat, and 
the strangles or tumor may threaten to be absorbed. In such cases the 
