COMPLAINT OF HORSES.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19053, 18 September 1933, Page 12

COMPLAINT OF HORSES.

TREATMENT OF RINGBONE. A ringbone is a bony excrescence on the pastern bone just above the hoof. When on the large pastern bone it is termed high ringbone, and when on the small pastei7r bone low ringbone. It is common to all classes of horses, but draughts and thoroughbreds are more usally affected. Horses with upright pasterns and those with extra long pasterns are predisposed 'to ringbone. Blows, concussion and sprains are frequent causes, and fracture of the pastern is always followed by ringbone. Too early and severe work, together with bad shoeing, by which the heels arc thrown too high, often cause this disease. Indications are heat, soreness, then lameness. Enlargements may appear before or after lameness is manifest. If situated on the small pastern within the hoof, lameness will be considerable and treatment difficult. First deal with the inflammation. Give a dose of physic, remove the shoes, pave the foot level, and give perfect rest. Saturate a bandage with half an ounce of acetate of lead in one quart of water and apply to the heated part. After a few days apply a blister composed of cantharides (two teaspoonfuls), biniodide of mercury (one teaspoonful) and lard (eight teaspoonsful). Rub one-third of this well in with the Angers; leave for 24 hours; then wash off, and rub in a little lard. Repeat every second week for. three applications. Keep horse’s head tied up while the blister is on. If this if> successful allow rest for a couple of months. If unsuccessful, operation by a qualified veterinarian may be effective in relieving pain, so that the animal may be fltted for moderate work.