267 
DEEP FIRING FOR CHRONIC LAMENESSES OF 
THE HOCK AND LEGS. 
By Mr. J. Toombs, F.S'., Bengal Horse Artillery, 
now at Pershore. 
The following case is extracted from my registry of sick and 
lame horses. If approved of, it shall, at no great distance of 
time, be followed by others. 
Dec. lOthy 1832,—An aged troop horse was admitted into the 
hospital stable this morning in consequence of severely injuring 
both hind legs by entangling them in the wheel of a gun car¬ 
riage while at practice. There were slight contusions on the near 
leg: the off one was dreadfully bruised, and the horse could not 
rest the least portion of his weight on it. When held up, it ap¬ 
peared as though the tibia was fractured, the hock and leg 
having an exceedingly rotatory motion. On minute examination 
I ascertained that the gastrocnemic muscles were ruptured where 
they become tendinous. Six quarts of blood were taken from 
the femoral vein, and a patten shoe applied. Repelling lotions 
and fomentations were ordered, and a purgative administered. 
Wth. —Patient in statu quo. Fomentations continued. 
\Sth. —No perceptible amendment. It is very strange that 
no swelling has taken place. The parts must be roused into ac¬ 
tion ; therefore let a blister be applied. 
20M.—The blister has produced a violent inflammation, and 
an enormous swelling. Treatment, fomentations and physic. 
27M.—Inflammation abated ; swelling less. He can now bear 
a little weight on the feet. Apply a charge to brace up the in¬ 
jured parts. 
Jan. Qthy 1833.—The patient improving slowly; but when 
the foot is elevated from the ground, the leg has still a sort of 
rotatory motion. Continue the charge. 
20th. —The injured muscles are extremely weak and relaxed. 
Patient very lame. This morning I adopted my favourite remedy 
for all long existing cases of lameness in the hock and legs, viz., 
the actual cautery, deeply and extensively. 
^Oth .—Inflammation diminishing from the effects of the cau- 
tery. 
Feb. \0th. —I had him led out; he walks much better. The 
patten shoe was removed, and a thick heel then applied. 
\bth. —Lameness going off rapidly. 
20th. —The firing has had a very excellent effect: he can now 
trot tolerably well. The firing produced a deep-seated inflam¬ 
mation and effusion, which united the ruptured parts together. 
