AND HIS DISEASES. 31 



ever. In older animals rest must be given at once, a dose 

 of laxative medicine should be administered, and rub the 

 spavin twice a day with the liniment for sprains, page 43. 

 A strong woollen bandage must be carefully applied in the 

 following way. Take two bandages about a yard and a half 

 long, by four inches in width. Eoll one up at both ends, 

 making two pads about the same size. Place this on so that 

 the middle of the bandage will press on the front, and the 

 pads one on each side, of the thorough-pin, then wind the 

 other evenly and firmly round, leaving the point of the 

 hock free. Keep the bandage wet with cold water. By con- 

 tinuing this even pressure in this way for some time, the 

 fluid becomes absorbed, the ligaments contract, and the joint 

 resumes its natural size and appearance. When the ban- 

 dages are removed, the joint should be blistered with the 

 compound biniodide of mercury ointment, page 43. When 

 there are osseous deposits around the joint with bog- 

 spavin, firing is the best remedy : have it lightly fired ' and 

 blistered, and give continued rest. Puncturing has been 

 recommended, but it is too dangerous a practice. 



OPEN JOINT, BEOKEN KNEES. 



The subject of open joint is one of great importance to 

 the veterinarian, and there is no case in which the educated 

 veterinarian can better prove his superiority over the self- 

 taught empiric, than in the treatment of an open joint. 



It is a very common occurrence in the horse, generally 

 arising from accidents, kicks, blows, stabs, &c. Jt is m6st 

 common in the Knee and hock ; but all the joints of the 

 limbs are liable to be punctured or laid open by some acci- 

 dent or injury. 



Open joints are generally divided into lacerated and 

 pun(ftiured. In the former we have the skin, ligaments, &c., 



