Firing Horses.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XX, Issue 2044, 18 March 1887, Page 2

Firing Horses.

Whatever may be the cause in other countries, there is evidence that the very ugly operation of firingi* growing in favour with horse y.vners in New Zealand, and it may not be out of placo to quote the recently published opinion of Mr. (Feorge Fleming, the Principal Veterinary Surgeon to the British Army, with regard to tins much discussed subject. Mr Fleming looks upon faring as a “last resource,’’ and considers that prior to this much good may be done by easing the part by *boes specially constructed to give rest to the weak points, lie adds " Osmer, a farrier yf great celebrity m the early part of l.i>t century, whose authority has never been

doubted by anyone, baa this forcible on the effect of re>-t : ‘ With respect to rest, the farrier Las a great advantage by blistering and firing, because the leg is so inflamed thereby, that it is impossible to rifle the horse fora considerable time- ..Iter the operation ; go that if lie Lappets to get sound it is generally thought to be the effect of blistering and firing, which ought in reality to be imputed to the rest he hag had ’ " To realise how much barbarity is entailed in firing, it is only necessary to read the directions for the operation given in a modern book upon the treatment of the horse. This authority says; “In tiring for sprain of the back tendons and sesamoid ligaments of the foreleg, about ten strokes, with an interval of an inch between each, i. y be made obliquely from the fetlock upwards Each stroke made with a stripe iron should be gone over at least twenty times, the metal being heated to redness, and slightly cooled. After firing, the animal's head must be tied up for a week, and in many instances it is advisable to blister the cauterised limb with equal parts of ointment of cantharides (Spanish fly) and biniodide of mercury. The animal should be fed on mashes during this time, and should be led out daily for five or ten mic ~es ”