Fistula, being a complaint absolutely requiring the aid of a surgeon when in ano, perineo, &c. we refrain from stating any thing on that subject.
Fistulous withers will be found a very troublesome complaint ; and under the hands of a common farrier will seldom be cured, without considerable delay, and great risk. We advise great cleanliness, and that the part should be laid open, if the situation may admit : or, at all events, that a seton should be passed through the bottom of the sore, whence the matter might be discharged. Apply light pledges of lint, just to keep the parts open ; and when about to heal, which may be known by the granula tions, &c. be cautious not to allow any pressure. If any of the dorsal spinous processes be tainted, exfoliation will take place : encourage the efforts of nature in that respect. Keep the body open, and let the diet be soft and cooling ; al low free ventilation, and approach the animal gently. Sudden starts, and mo tions arising from fear, often do incalcu lable mischief in this complaint ; which may be speedily removed, when time ously and cautiously treated.
Founder, has usually been mistaken for a disease of the loins or of the chest ; but where its seat is forward, the fore feet will be found injured ; in the former case the hind feet : this may be easily as certained by observing whether the horse seeks relief from bringing the hind legs forward (as he stands in the stable) to support the fore quarters, or keeps the fore legs inclined considerably back wards, to support the hinder quarters : thus endeavouring to take the weight off the tender parts. When all the feet are affected, the horse lies down, and is unwilling, or perhaps unable, to rise. This is usually a very troublesome com plaint, and requires very copious bleed ing, and every attention to ease and rest. The shoes ought to be taken off, and very soft litter be allowed, and frequent ly tossed up with the fork, to keep it from caking. Bleeding at the toes rare ly fails of giving great relief ; letting the blood flow freely. Endeavour, by all means, to prevent the collection of mat ter, as that always injures ; indeed, after once suppuration has taken place, weak ness, if not rottenness, will ensue in al most every case. Purge well, and keep
the feet cool by the frequent application of salt and water, or sugar of lead in wa ter, or sal-ammoniac and vinegar. Pare away the crust, so as to liberate the foot from its usual constriction. When reco vering, we would recommend to turn the animal out into a rich soft paddock, if the season permits ; or into a soft straw yard : the former is best, on ac count of the diet. Allow no corn, un less where the horse is extremely weak ; and then scalded malt, &c. will answer best. In very bad cases, some have taken up the lateral arteries ; but such seems to be a desperate course, and should never be practised where any hope remains of success from milder treatment. When reduced to that extremity, the beast can be of no value.
Fractures and lasations, are subjects for the introduction of a surgeon ; in most instances cures might be effected, provided the horse could be slung, so as to take the pressure entirely off from the limb. Iron frames, and very stiff splents, are sometimes used ; but cannot always be had ; neither are they applicable to every case. Nature in time will unite the bones of a simple fracture, after they have been set; but in general a callous protuberance is seen, which ren ders the animal less saleable ; though the limb may be as serviceable as ever. We think it absurd to shoot a horse merely because he has broke a bone, which, by a little care, might be perfect ly restored.
Grease is generally the effect of too rich food with little exercise ; or it may be induced by bad standing, or by excess of labour ; it is most frequent, and most difficult of cure, in very long limbed horses. Washing the legs without dry ing them is very apt to produce this disease, which is equally disposed to re cur. If grease proceeds from redun dancy, bleed, purge, and use gentle ex ercise, with moderate friction. When from weakness, or over labour, allow rest and nourishing food, giving good standing, and preserving perfect cleanli ness.