DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 
293 
21. Hip Joint Lameness. 
This is a sprain of the round ligament in the hip joint. 
Causes. — Hip joint lameness is also the result of an 
accident such as stepping on a small round stone which sud- 
denly turns and throws the leg forward, falling or slipping on 
the ice, or in fact any sort of accident that may cause a severe 
strain upon the ligaments in the joint. 
Symptoms. — The horse steps short on the affected side, 
and in trotting he goes kind of three-cornered. Every time 
he raises his leg the hip raises with it, showing that he is 
trying to keep the hip quiet. He also flinches when pressure 
is applied to the hip joint. If the disease is allowed to run 
on for some time there is a wasting* of the muscles around the 
part. 
Treatment. — If a long standing case, and the joint is 
diseased, it is incurable, but if taken in time it may be cured 
by keeping him quiet and bathing the parts well with luke- 
warm water and salt twice a day. After bathing, each time, 
wipe dry and apply the white liniment. Continue this treat- 
ment until the soreness and swelling disappears, then blister 
with the following: 
Pulverized Cantharides or Spanish Fly 1^ drams. 
Vaseline or Lard 1 ounce. 
Mix well and there is enough to blister the hip three 
times. Each time rub the blister in well, allow it to remain 
for three days, then grease with lard. In three or four weeks, 
blister again and repeat the blister in this way until the 
lameness disappears. 
22. Sprain of the Muscles of the Hip. 
Causes. — This is more commonly met with than hip joint 
lameness. A sudden slip while pulling heavily or pulling a 
driver suddenly may be sufficient to account for a sprain of 
the muscles of the hip. 
Symptoms. — There is swelling and soreness of the 
muscles. This condition may be more easily detected when 
standing behind the animal. There is also a great difficulty 
in bringing the leg forward. 
Treatment. — Keep the animal quiet ; bathe well with 
lukewarm water and salt two or three times a day ; after 
bathing, wipe dry and rub the parts well with white liniment. 
Continue this treatment until the animal is better. 
