DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 273 
ment until the inflammation and soreness disappears from the 
splint, then blister to remove the enlargement. Use 
Mix thoroughly and there is enough to blister an ordin- 
ary splint three times. If there is much hair on the splint clip 
it off and apply one-third of the blister. The more you rub 
it in the better it acts. Tie his head a little short for a few 
hours so that he cannot bite the blistered part. In three days 
grease with vaseline or lard. Three weeks after blister again, 
and follow the same directions as before. If not all gone, 
blister the third time, after a lapse of two or three weeks 
more. 
3. Sore Shins. 
This is an inflammation of the covering of the shin or 
metacarpal bones and nearly always affects the front legs, but 
sometimes affects the shin or metatarsus bones in the hind 
legs. It is more common in some parts of the country, and 
generally occurs in young race or trotting horses that are put 
to severe exertion. 
Causes. — Sore shins may be caused by any condition that 
may set up inflammation in the covering of the shin bones, 
such as hard and continuous driving of young race horses in 
training, continuous, steady strain upon the legs, striking the 
shins against anything or working a colt hard after being in 
pasture and not used to hard work. 
Symptoms. — These are easily noted. There is a marked 
lameness at first. The parts affected are very sensitive and 
hot, as indicated by his flinching and action when the parts 
are pressed with the hand. When trotting his head drops, as 
outlined in the previous section. Should this condition be 
neglected it is soon followed by a thickening of the inflamed 
portions. 
Treatment. — Give the animal as much rest as possible. 
If in the summer, bathe with cold water and salt. If in the 
winter, bathe with warm water and salt. After bathing twice 
a day, rub dry and apply white liniment. When the soreness 
and inflammation disappear, blister to take down the enlarge- 
ment. Use the same blister and follow the same directions as 
is gfiven in the treatment of splints. 
Vaseline or Lard 
Biniodide of Mercury 
Powdered Cantharides or Spanish Fly 
1 ounce. 
.1 dram. 
.1 dram. 
