2. The joint between the lower pastern and the
bone of the foot.
THE FOOT OF A LIVING HORSE WITH
AGGRAVATED RING-BONE.
The animal, from which the above sketch
was taken, although used to propel a cart,
was by no means of a cart breed. The creature
rather hobbled than went lame; but all
flexion was entirely lost in the pastern bones.
One of the above sketches depicts this disease as it appeared prior to death. The reader has now to consider the consequences of such a deformity; it materially interferes with the value. The hind limbs are the instruments of propulsion in the horse; these are much incapacitated by the presence of ring-bone. An animal thus affected might move an easy load upon even ground; but when the weight had to be drawn up hill, the creature would obviously be unable to use the toe; the foot, placed flat upon the ground, or so shod as to have an even bearing, would perceptibly be of comparatively little use in such a case. So, also, in descending an inequality, the horse with severe ring-bone will be unable to bite the earth. Ring-bone, therefore, does incapacitate the animal for many uses, besides interfering with the free employment of the muscular energy; no persuasion or brutality can induce a maimed animal to cast its full weight upon a diseased limb. The pace may be quickened by the lash; but the horse will, nevertheless, continue to hop when the affected member touches the earth.
Let mankind, therefore, reflect that the horse is given as their fellow-laborer. The life of the quadruped is the property of the master; but who, being sane, would abuse his own property? The being who should destroy chairs and tables—although such things can be mended—would be speedily confined as mad. Yet it has not entered the mind of man, as a reasonable idea, that to deface a living image—to destroy the value or to deteriorate the property which is present in the animal—deserves more than the very mildest of punishments. The breathing creature, when defaced, cannot be made sound again. Horse property is notoriously hazardous. It should be the care of men to use a tender thing with a greater gentleness. Instead of which, horses are galloped till they become blind, and lashed to drag weights beyond the proper limits of their strength. Men, who never think in whom the fault really lies, complain that Providence has not suited the horse to purposes such as would derange most iron-wrought machines!
When a horse first shows ring-bone, seek to allay the pain. Apply poultices, on which one drachm of powdered opium and one of camphor has been sprinkled. Rub the disease with equal parts of oil of camphor and of chloroform. The pain having ceased, have applied, with friction, to the seat of enlargement and around it, some of the following ointment, night and morning:—
| Iodide of lead | One ounce. |
| Lard | Eight ounces. |
| Mix. |
Continue treatment for a fortnight after all active symptoms have disappeared, and allow the animal to rest—being liberally fed for at least a month subsequent to the cessation of every remedy. When work is resumed, mind it is gentle, and be very careful how the horse goes to its full labor.