120 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
Severe sprains, as well as those which have been unskil¬ 
fully treated, especially where from long-continued inflam¬ 
mation the structure of the part has been considerably 
altered ; or if the swelling has become callous, and the skin 
thickened so as to prevent the free action of the limb, then 
it will be necessary to use the cautery, as the best means of 
rousing and stimulating to action the absorbents, so as to 
enable them to take up the coagulated deposit, as well as 
the thickened skin and unusual increase of the cellular 
substance. 
In firing, the cautery should be applied in straight lines 
so as to contract the skin, and by its natural elasticity to 
produce that pressure so necessary in this complaint. 
It may well be imagined that it will require some time 
before this hardened fluid can be removed, not less than six 
months cessation from work will suffice. A blister applied 
six weeks or two months after the use of the cautery is 
frequently o attended with beneficial effects ; but it should 
never be had recourse to except in cases where it becomes 
indispensable ; and these are generally from unskilful firing. 
It is necessary to pay very strict attention to the appear¬ 
ance of the flexor tendons in the purchase of a horse; and 
if there is any thickening of the cellular substance, then it 
may be inferred that the horse has had one of those sprains, 
and that it has not been properly managed. The action of 
the horse is sure to be affected by it, and a return of 
the malady may occur; and although all appearance of 
lameness has left the animal, still he cannot under such 
circumstances be considered a perfectly sound horse. 
WIND-GALLS. 
Symptoms. —Wind-galls more frequently occur in the fore 
than in the hind legs. These are known by the puffy 
