304 
THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 
gets about half way out and stays there. After this the joint 
will be larger than natural and the animal will never have 
proper action again. 
Treatment. — As soon as not^'ced is the time to treat it. 
Place the animal in a level place where he cannot run around 
much and feed well to build up the physical condition. In 
the earlier stages bathe well with warm water twice a day, 
wipe dry each time and apply the white liniment. This treat- 
ment usually eflfects a cure. Shoi^ld it not do so apply a 
light blister about the stiffle joint. Use 
Pulverized Cantharides or Spanish Fly V/i dram?. 
Vaseline or Lard 1 ounce. 
Mix and apply a light coat of the blister over the joint, 
rub in well and grease the third day. Let it go for a month, 
then blister again and repeat this every month until the stiffle 
is good and strong. 
22. Fracture of the Thigh Bone. 
Causes. — This is generally from the kick of another 
horse, and, although the bone itself is fractured, the cover- 
ings will hold the bone to its place in some cases. 
Symptoms. — For a few days after the kick the animal 
seems lame and a fracture of the bone may not be suspected, 
but all at once the covering of the bone gives way and the 
horse almost falls. Careful examination discloses the fact 
that the leg is fractured. The leg may be swung around. 
Treatment. — When the bones give right away, destroy 
him, but if the horse gets a severe kick, is a little lame and 
fracture is suspected, keep him perfectly quiet. Bathe with 
warm water and salt and after bathing apply white liniment 
to arrest the soreness and inflammation. By doing this, the 
covering of the bone is so strong that it will hold the bone 
together until it knits, thus effecting a cure. 
23. Sprain of the Muscles on the Front of the Hind Leg, 
Between the Hock and Stifle Joint. 
Causes. — These are similar to those of other sprains. 
Symptoms. — The muscle is swollen and sore. When he 
lifts the leg and tries to bring it forward, instead of coming 
forward it will fly backward and upward. The muscle that 
is aflfected is called the flexor metatarsi muscle. 
