Symptoms.—The horse falls; the knee may only be slightly broken, but deeply contused. A slough must then take place, and open joint may result. Or the animal may fall, and, when down, be driven forward by the impetus of its motion. The knee is cut by the fall, and the skin of the knee may be forced back by the onward impulse. This skin will become dirty; but the removed integument will fly back on the animal's rising, thus forming a kind of bag containing and concealing foreign matter.
Treatment.—Procure a pail of milk-warm water and a large sponge. Dip the sponge in the pail, and squeeze out the water above the knee. Continue to do this, but do not dab or sop the wound itself. The water flowing over the knee will wash away every impurity. Then with a probe gently explore the bag. If small, make a puncture through the bottom of the bag; if large, insert a seton, and move it night and morning until good pus is secreted: then withdraw the seton. "Rack up" the horse's head, and get some cold water, to every quart of which add two ounces of tincture of arnica. Pour a little of this into a saucer, and then dip a sponge into the liquid. Squeeze the sponge dry above the joint. Do this every half hour for three and a half days, both by day and night. If at the end of that time all is going on well, the head may be released; but should the knee enlarge and become sensitive, while the animal refuses to put the foot to the ground, withdraw the seton; give no hay, but all the oats and beans that can be eaten, with two pots of stout each day. Place the quadruped in slings; apply the arnica lotion until a slough takes place; then resort to the chloride of zinc lotion, one scruple to the pint, and continue to use this as has been directed.
BROKEN WIND.
Causes.—Old age, prolonged work, and bad food.
Symptoms.—Short, dry, hacking cough, caused by irritability of the larynx; ravenous appetite; insatiable thirst; abundant flatus. Dung half digested; belly pendulous; coat ragged; aspect dejected. Respiration is performed by a triple effort; inspiration is spasmodic and single; expiration is labored and double. The ribs first essay to expel the air from the lungs; these failing, the diaphragm and abdominal muscles take up the action. Broken wind can be set or concealed for a time by forcing the animal to swallow quantities of grease, tar, or shot. A drink of water, however, will always reproduce the symptoms.
Treatment.—No cure. Relief alone is possible. Never give water before work. Four half pails of water to be allowed in twenty-four hours. In each draught mingle half an ounce of phosphoric acid or half a drachm of sulphuric acid. Remove the bed in the day; muzzle at night; put a lump of rock-salt and of chalk in the manger. Never push hard or take upon a very long journey.
BRONCHITIS.
Causes.—Riding far and fast; then leaving exposed, especially to the night air; neglect and constitutional liability.
Symptoms.—Appetite often not affected; sometimes it is increased. A short cough, in the first instance; breathing only excited; legs warm; mouth moist; and nasal membrane merely deeper color during the early stage. When confirmed, the appetite is lost; the horse is averse to move; the cough is sore and suppressed; the breathing is audible; the membranes are scarlet; the mouth is hot and dry; the legs are cold; the body is of uneven temperatures.