162 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



from liability to sprains. Severe lameness usually comes on 

 suddenly after the injury. The parts become inflamed, swollen, 

 and tender. 



The usual cause of a sprain is external violence, such as a fall 

 or a powerful exertion of strength and sudden twisting and 

 bending of the joints. 



The treatment depends on the conditions. If there is severe 

 pain, hot baths will soften, soothe, and relax the part. If there 

 is much inflammation, cold baths will prove beneficial. The 

 animal should be given rest and kept quiet; hence the box 

 stall is preferable in this case to the pasture. If the lameness 

 persists, apply liniment and perhaps fly-blisters. 



Shoulder lameness, the result of a sprain, is of common occur- 

 rence. It is by the shoulder that the horse does his work, and 

 for this reason the part is particularly exposed to injury. 



It would be difficult and not worth while to name all the 

 forms of violence by which the shoulder may be injured. 

 The chief causes are falls, violent efforts in starting heavy 

 loads, balling the feet with snow, and colliding with other 

 objects. 



If not severe, time and rest will cure. When there is pain 

 and swelling, bathe in hot water for half an hour three times 

 daily and apply some astringent lotion. Warm wet blankets 

 are of great service. Anodyne hniments, camphor, belladonna, 

 either in the form of tinctures or oils, are beneficial. Lastly, try 

 dull blisters. 



Sweeny shoulder is a rapid wasting away of certain muscles 

 on the outside of the shoulder-blade. While met with in horses 

 of any age, it is more common in young animals. If neglected, 

 it ruins the animal. 



Sweeny is caused by straining, by severe pulling, and by 

 jerking movements. Idle horses when put to work are most 

 liable. The nerves or blood vessels of the affected part seem 

 to be injured by the pressure of the collar. 



