AND HIS DISEASES. 33 



ing the wound with the probe or finger, it is found to pene- 

 trate the joint; we have a discharge of clear oily fluid, which 

 is very smooth and slippery to the feel ; the discharge may 

 be very trifling, still it is not the less dangerous. In most 

 cases we have symptomatic fever, which often runs so high 

 as to cut the animal off. It is recognised by the quick 

 pulse, hot mouth, irregular heat of the surface, costive 

 bowels, and the excruciating pain the animal evinces. 



Treatment. — This is the most important part of the sub- 

 ject. In the first place, the animal must be removed to a 

 comfortable stall or loose-box, with a high roof, and well 

 ventilated : he must be at once placed in slings, which 

 should be gradually tightened until his toes barely touch the 

 ground. 



The wound must be washed out with tepid water, all 

 gravel or dirt removed, and the real extent of the injury 

 ascertained. The limb must then be placed in splints, well 

 padded, and held together by leather straps. A very con- 

 venient plan for the knee is, to take three slips of wood, 

 about three inches wide, and half an inch thick, reaching 

 from the elbow to the foot, with the edges bevelled and well 

 padded, and nailed together with three straps, which buckle 

 in front. This placed on, one at each side, and one behind, 

 prevents flexion or extension of the joint entirely, and leaves 

 it open to be dressed at pleasure, without undoing the splints. 

 A large poultice of linseed or oatmeal should be applied 

 cold, and continued until the granulations spring up from 

 the bottom to close the wound. This simple plan of treat- 

 ment is infinitely more soothing, and at the same time more 

 successful, than the former methods, of plastering it up with 

 lime, flour, powdered bluestone, oxide of zinc, white vitriol. 

 Even corrosive sublimate, and in many cases the hot-iron, have 

 all had their advocates as means of plugging up the orifice. 



c 



