158 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



as for blistering. The horse should be given plenty of time 

 to recover before being put to work. 



There are two methods of firing in common use : One consists 

 of making a number of parallel lines, and is known as "line- 

 firing." The other consists in burning a number of little holes 

 over the part to be treated, and is known as "point-firing." It 

 is held that point-firing sets up a deeper inflammation. Oc- 

 casionally both methods are combined, and after the line-firing 

 a few points are made over the most diseased part. 



LAMENESS : ITS CAUSE AND TREATMENT 



The horse is used largely for locomotive power. Anything 

 that interferes with his travel and pull materially lessens his 

 usefulness. Of all farm animals, the horse is the most exposed 

 to accidents and injuries leading to lameness. Lameness inter- 

 feres with his usefulness more than with that of any other farm 

 animal. A lame horse cannot work, whereas a lame cow may 

 give as much milk, a lame pig take on fat, and a lame sheep 

 shear as much wool as though it were sound. ' The causes of 

 lameness among horses are numerous and varied. Only a few 

 of the more important are discussed here, as a complete list 

 would fill a volume. 



Lameness due to ailments of the hones 



The bones of the horse's legs are particularly subject to 

 ailments causing lameness; this is especially true of the bones 

 below the knees and hocks. The most important ailments of 

 the bones likely to cause lameness are splints, ring-bones, 

 side-bones, bone-spavin, bony enlargements, and fractures of 

 the bone. 



Splints, ring-bones, side-bones, bone-spavin, and bony enlarge- 

 ments. — These ailments are caused by severe strains, concus- 

 sion, blows and hurts ; by poorly kept hoofs ; and by certain 

 diseases of the foot as corns, cracks, quittor, and the like. 



