The last injury demands the same treatment as has already been described, only the remedies are far more difficult to apply. Should the entire portion of bone exfoliate and a hole be left behind, the consequence is not of fatal import. Bone can reproduce itself, though it is somewhat eccentric in its growth. So after the opening is closed, the surface toward the nostrils may be uneven, and the horse be rendered an inveterate wheezer.
When the animal is once injured, never, for your own safety, afterward employ a bit. If it be ridden or driven, always use a snaffle, and use even that most tenderly. The horse has vivid recollections, and man is naturally forgetful. When power is entrusted to the oblivious, danger is apt to be close at hand.
The inferior margin of the jaw-bone is liable to harm from the curb chain, and some men will have the curb chain tight. Such people are commonly very imperious. They shout, and slash, and tug when they want obedience from an animal whose delight is to be allowed to please. Their meaning is seldom comprehended, and therefore their orders are rarely obeyed; whereas, they would be humbly propitiated, were their commands only given as though the animal had no interest to rebel.
The result of such violence is, from the curb chain being ruthlessly jerked, the jaw-bone soon enlarges. A portion of the bone having been bruised, has to exfoliate; a foul abscess forms; tumor speedily succeeds to tumor; osseous structure is thrown out and a swelling is matured, before the enlargement heals.
TUMOR PROVOKED BY THE ABUSE OF THE CURB CHAIN.
The treatment of such a case is similar to that already directed. Keep the wound freely open, to permit the unimpeded exit of exfoliated bone. Use the lotion, previously directed, liberally and constantly. The healing process may then take place without deformity being left behind.
APHTHA.
Nothing proves the sympathy which binds nature more strongly than the sameness or similarity of the diseases that affect man and animals. Tetanus, pneumonia, enteritis, etc. are so alike as to be the same in the human being and in the horse. From the cow was derived the safe-guard from the ravages of the small-pox, and the medical profession has, by its want of feeling, more than recognized a likeness, linking humanity to the dog; in the motive which alone could prompt abuse of a most affectionate animal.