At the back of the hock, three or four inches below its point, an enlargement or swelling arises which has received the name of curb. It is a strain of the ring-like ligament which binds the tendons in their place, or of the sheath itself. It comes on in consequence of a violent strain of the flexor tendons, or from a blow, kick, or contusion upon the part. It is most likely to occur in cow-hocked horses, where the hocks are turned inward, and the legs form a considerable angle outward, as in such cases the angular ligament must be continually on the stretch in order to confine the tendon.
When it first occurs, the swelling may not be great but is attended with warmth, pain and lameness, the leg being moved with caution and awkwardly.
Treatment.—In recent cases, frequent bathing of the part with the Humphreys’ Marvel Witch Hazel diluted one-half water, allowing the horse to rest, and give A.A. at first, then B.B., three times per day. The application of Humphreys’ Veterinary Oil, morning and night will be better after the heat and swelling have mostly subsided. Rest is absolutely essential. If prematurely put to hard labor it is very likely to return again. If the curb is permitted to run its course, the acute stage will pass off leaving a hard, cold tumor, which may materially interfere with the motion of the joint. All old cases require B.B., once or twice daily, for some weeks.
Docking
By docking the tail of a horse, his shape and external appearance are sometimes improved, yet the operation is not without its consequences, such as inflammation, nervous irritation, fistulous ulcers, tetanous, etc. It is hoped that the time is not distant when this barbarous and senseless custom will be abolished, and the stern hand of the law laid upon every man who thus mutilates God’s creatures. Yet if the senseless operation is done, dress the wound with Humphreys’ Veterinary Oil, which keep applied to the wound. Give first fifteen drops of A.A., and after a few hours, the same of B.B., which may be repeated from time to time to relieve the soreness and inflammation.
Fractures
Fractures of the bones of the horse occasionally occur in consequence of some severe blow, contusion, fall, or other injury. They are discoverable from the difference in shape, swelling, lameness of the part, and especially by the “CREPITUS,” or grating sound, which occurs from moving the two fractured ends of bone together. In all doubtful cases, this crepitation is the reliable criterion. In the more palpable cases, the distortion, loss of the use of the part, and extensive swelling, remove all doubt.
Among the most common are fractures of the ribs, forming a swelling over the place, which is very sensitive to pressure. Of the pelvis, rendering one hip lower than the other. Of the leg, rendering movement and use of the limb impossible, the point below the fracture swinging about useless.
Fractures are simple where a single break occurs in one bone, compound when the surrounding parts are lacerated, and comminuted when bones are broken up or fractured in different directions.
The treatment of all fractures rest upon very simple principles. Bring the broken parts to their natural position, keeping them there until they unite, the more perfectly this is done, the more perfect will be the result. Unfortunately, from the weight of the animal, and often his intractability, this is not always easy or even possible. But, on the other hand, nature will eventually heal even the worst cases, requiring, it is true, a longer time, and leaving behind very sad traces of her faulty workmanship. So that in treating a fracture, all these elements should be taken into consideration.