SPRAIN OF THE COFFIN JOINT.
The proof of this is when the lameness is sudden, and the heat and tenderness are principally felt around the cornet. Bleeding at the toe, physic, fomentations and blisters are the usual means adopted. This lameness is not easily removed even by a blister, and if removed like sprains of the fetlock and of the back sinews, it is apt to return again. Sprains of the coffin joint sometimes become a very serious affair; not being attended by any swelling, and being detected only by heat around the coronet. First reduce the heat by fomentations: say bathe the foot with water as warm as the hand will bear, fomentate with this for 15 or 20 minutes—the long continuance of fomentations has been found very efficacious in reducing inflammation; next apply a clay poultice made with vinegar, and when getting dry moisten by pouring vinegar on the foot and clay. After the heat has left the parts, then blister. The horse should not be used for a month or two.