Often the reduction is effected of itself if the horse makes the slightest effort. The part should be bathed in Humphreys’ Marvel Witch Hazel, as the ligaments are always injured; give fifteen drops of B.B. three times a day.
Injuries of the stifle, bruises, strains, etc., often occur, and should be treated by bathing the part with Humphreys’ Marvel Witch Hazel, and giving the animal the above Remedy for injuries.
Sprain of the Psoas Muscles.—This occurs from drawing heavy loads on soft ground, or from horses’ hind legs slipping back on ice, or from jumping a bank.
Symptoms.—Difficulty in bringing up the hind legs when made to move, and sometimes inability to stand. It may be mistaken for spinal injury, but the difference is as follows: When the spine is injured, complete paralysis takes place, whereas in Sprain of the Psoas Muscles the animal is able to kick and to extend the leg with great force. Examination per rectum will leave no doubt as to the nature of the injury, for pain on pressure, and swelling of the muscles, will be evident.
Treatment.—Give B.B., morning and night.
Sprains of the Muscles of the Haunch.—The gluteal muscles are sometimes sprained by violent exertion. The injury will be followed by effusion, swelling, and stiffness of the quarters, and afterwards by a gradual wasting of the muscles, which can be perceived by standing behind the animal and comparing the quarters.
Treatment.—Warm applications, A.A., and, after the inflammation has somewhat subsided, the B.B. four times per day.
Hip Joint Lameness.—This lameness may be produced by a sprain of the round ligaments, or gluteus externus muscle; but it more frequently arises from a sprain of the tendon of the gluteus maximus at its insertion into the trochanter major.
Symptoms.—A dragging and rotary motion of the leg, pain on pressure, and a swelling which fills up the natural furrow, so well defined in well bred horses, formed by the semi-membranous and gluteus externus.
Treatment.—This is the same as for Sprain of the Muscles of the Haunch.