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THE ARMY HORSE
ACCIDENT AND DISEASE.
A MANUAL
PREPARED FOR THE USE OF STUDENTS OF THE TRAINING SCHOOL
FOR FARRIERS AND HORSESHOERS
BY THE
TRAINING SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS.
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SCHOOL OF APPLICATION FOR CAVALRY AND FIELD
ARTILLERY,
FORT RILEY, KANSAS,
WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1906.
4
WAR DEPARTMENT,
DocumENT No. 274.
Orrick or CHIEF OF STAFF.
LF 1906
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PREFACE.
This manual, as originally compiled by Alexander Plummer, D. V. 5..
veterinarian, Fourth Cavalry, and Richard H. Power, V. &., veterina-
rian, Artillery Corps, was published in 1903. In this edition the work
has been revised by the compilers, assisted by Charles H. Jewell,
D. V. M., veterinarian, Thirteenth Cavalry, and Capt. Geo. H. Cameron,
Fourth Cavalry, secretary.
Matter from the companion text-book, “ The Army Horseshoer,” has
been substituted in several places for that of the original.
An original chapter on Tropical Diseases, by Veterinarian Jewell,
and many illustrations from photographs and drawings, have been
added.
Captain Cameron, in addition to his work on the revision of the text,
made the original drawings and prepared the others for reproduction.
His valuable assistance is here acknowledged.
The majority of the photographic work was done by First Lieut.
S. B. Pearson, Ninth Cavalry.
The arrangement of the text has been adapted to the course of prac-
tical instruction, and the language, as far as possible, to study by men
who, as a rule, have had limited educational advantages.
ScHOOL OF APPLICATION FOR CAVALRY AND FIELD ARTILLERY,
Fort Riley, Kans., December 30, 1905.
(3)
AUTHORITIES CONSULTED.
BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY: Special Report on Diseases of the Horse.
Capiot: A Treatise on Veterinary Therapeutics of the Domestic
Animals.
CHAUVEAU: Comparative Anatomy of Domesticated Animals.
Dun: Veterinary Medicines, Their Actions and Uses.
FLEMING: Operative Veterinary Surgery.
FRIEDBURGER AND FROHNER: Pathology and Therapeutics of the Domestic
Animals.
Law: Veterinary Medicine.
LiautTarp: Manual of Veterinary Surgery.
M6LLER: Operative Veterinary Surgery. (Translation.)
NEUMANN: Parasites and Parasitic Diseases of the Domesticated
Animals.
QuirMAN: Notes on Veterinary Medicine. .
SmirH: Veterinary Hygiene. .
SmirH: A Manual of Veterinary Physiology.
STRANGEWAY: Veterinary Anatomy.
WILLIAMS: Principles and Practice of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.
Winstow: Materia Medica.
Wyman: Diagnosis of Lameness in the Torse.
(4)
CONTENTS.
Chapter I.—CoONFORMATION AND POINTS. DEFECTS AND BLEMISHES.
II.—STABLE MANAGEMENT OF THE SICK AND INJURED.
IIT.—ANATOMY.
ITV.—ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
V.—WOUNDS, SPRAINS, BRUISES, ABRASIONS, AND ABSCESSES.
VI.—DISEASES OF THE RESRIRATORY SYSTEM AND INFLUENZA.
VII.—DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE, URINARY, NERVOUS, AND. LYM-
PHATIC SYSTEMS.
VIII.—MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES.
IX.—DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND EYE.
X.—DISEASES OF THE FEET.
XI.—DISEASES OF BONE, AND DETECTION Or LAMENESS.
XII.—TROPICAL DISEASES.
XIIJ.—MEDICINES, THEIR ACTIONS AND USES.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
FRONTISPIECE.—Attendance at operation.
PLATE I.—Points of the horse.
Ii.—The horse in slings.
Ii1.—Skeleton of the horse.
TV.—Muscles and tendons of the horse.
V.—Respiratory apparatus.
VI.—Digestive apparatus.
VII.—Cireulatory apparatus.
VIilII.—Section of the eye.
1X.—Section of the hoof and pastern.
X.—Fig. 1, Curb. Fig. 2, Bursal enlargement. Fig. 3, Sprain of
the fiexor tendons (bowed tendons). Fig. 4, Line firing.
Fig. 5, Capped hock.
XI.—Fig. 1, Fistulous withers. Fig. 2, Poll evil.
XII.— Characteristic symptoms of spasmodie colic.
XIII.—Lymphangitis.
XIV.—Purpura hemorrhagica.
XV.—Farcy.
XVI.—Tetanus.
XVII.—Grease.
XVITI.—Fig. 1, Sidebone. Fig. 2, Ringbone. Fig. 3, Bone spavin.
Fig. 4, Splint.
XIX.—Surra: characteristic swellings.
XX.
XXI.—Chronie epizootic lymphangitis (tropical).
Surra parasite.
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THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE.
CHAPTER I.
CONFORMATION AND POINTS—DEFECTS AND BLEMISHES.
CONFORMATION AND POINTS.
(Plate I.)
The forehead should be broad and not bulging; the eyes full,
clear, and prominent, with a mild expression, and not showing
any of the white; the muzzle not too large, as a coarse, large
muzzle indicates ill breeding; the nostrils large and open; the
face straight; and the lower jaw with ample width between
the two sides, for the development and play of the larynx
(Adam’s apple) and windpipe, and, in addition, to allow the
head to be nicely bent on the neck.
The ears should be of medium size, set well on the head
and held erect.
The parotid and submaxillary regions should be free from
large glands and without any loose skin at the lower part of
the throat. .
The neck should be of moderate length, clean, and not too
narrow at a point just in rear of the throat; a short, thick neck
does not allow of free movement from side to side, and a long,
slim neck is apt to be too pliable. The point of the shoulder
should be well developed. The point of the elbow should not
be turned in, as the horse in that case is apt to turn his toes
out; the opposite conformation results in the condition called
“pigeontoed.”
The forearm should be long and muscular; the knee broad,
and, when looked at from the front, much wider than the limb
above and below but tapering off backward to a comparatively
thin edge. A bending of the knee backward is called a “calf
knee,” and is very objectionable. The opposite condition 1s
known as “knee sprung.” .
The cannon should be of uniform size; if smaller just below
the knee than elsewhere (a condition called “tied in”), weak-
ness is to be expected.
(9)
10 THE ARMY HORSE.
The fetlock joint should be of good size and clean; the pas-
terns of moderate length, and forming an angle of between 45
and 50 degrees with the ground or floor.
The foot should be of moderate size; a flat foot or one too
narrow at the heels is objectionable.
The relative proportions of the shoulders and the exact shape
desirable vary considerably in cavalry and artillery horses.
Thus, when speed and activity are essential, as in the cavalry
horse, the shoulder should be oblique (sloping), as this shape
gives elasticity to the gait of the horse. For the artillery horse,
working in harness, a more upright shoulder bears the pressure
of the collar more evenly, and when the collar is at right angle
to the traces, the horse exerts his strength to the greatest ad-
vantage. The front lne of the shoulder must be clearly
marked; an irregular surface or excessive muscular develop-
ment in the region marked A (Plate I) prevents a close fit of
the collar. ;
The withers should not be thin and high, as this conforma-
tion will allow the saddle to slip too far forward and the
pommel will rest upon the withers. The bars of the saddle
will be forced against the shoulder blades, causing irritation
and inflammation, and preventing free motion of the shoulders;
the constraint causes stumbling. On the other hand the with-
ers should not be low or thick, as the saddle is then apt to pinch
them. 2
The breast and chest should be of moderate width and have
considerable depth; the narrow chest indicates weakness, and
the wide, heavy chest is suitable for heavy-draft horses only.
The capacity of the lungs is marked by the size of the chest
at the girth, but the stamina will depend upon the length of
the back ribs. The barrel should not be broad back of the
cinch, as it would cause the cinch to slip forward and chafe
the body just back of the point of the elbow. The opposite
conformation would allow the saddle and cinch to slip back-
ward. The back should be short, with muscles well developed,
and the upper lines of the back bending down a little behind
the withers and then swelling out very gently to the junction
of the loins, which can hardly be too broad and muscular.
The last rib should be placed close to the point of the hip,
as this is an indication of strength, and the horse is more
easily kept in good condition than one having the opposite
conformation.
THE ARMY HORSE. dig!
A slightly arched loin is essential to the power of carrying
weight; a much arched or “roach back” is almost sure to give
uneasy action from its want of elasticity. The hips should be
broad, smooth, and muscular.
The quarter (thigh and buttock) and gaskin should be broad.
The muscies of the two quarters should come close together,
leaving no hollow below the anus; the widely separated con-
formation is an indication of a want of constitution.
The hock should be of good size, but clean and flat, and with
a good clean point standing clear of the joint. The two hocks
should stand well apart, but not enough to give the horse the
appearance of being “bow-legged.” ‘“Cow-hocked,” so called,
is when the hocks stand close together and the hind feet wide
apart, with the toes turned out.
The cannon should be short, not tied in below the hock, and
the line from the point of the hock to the back part of the
fetlock should be straight.
The fetlock when bent forward is an indication of weakness
known as “cocked ankle.” The hind fetlocks, pasterns, and
feet should correspond to those of the fore extremity, but the
pasterns are usually more upright.
The croup should slope shghtly downward and be of moder-
ate length; the dock large and muscular; the tail carried
firmly and well away from the quarters.
DEFECTS AND BLEMISHES.
Defects and blemishes are those results of injuries (more or
less severe) which show on the outside of the body. They are
regarded as external diseases, and may be classed as follows:
1. Diseases of bones.
2. Diseases of synovial membranes.
3. Diseases of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin.
4. Diseases of the foot.
1. Diseases of bones.
Bone spavin.—Location: Lower and inner part of the hock
joint. :
Splints —Location: Usually appearing on the inner side of
the upper third of the front cannon; occasionally found on the
outer side of the upper third of the hind cannon.
12 THE ARMY HORSE.
Sidebones (ossification of lateral cartilages).—Loeation:
Sides of the foot just above the coronet.
Ringbone.—Location: Between coronet and fetlock joint.
2. Diseases of synovial membranes.
Bog spavin.—Location: Front part of hock joint.
Thorough pin.—Location: Upper and back part of hock
joint.
Wind puffs (windgalls).—Location: On the sides of the
tendons just above the fetlock joints.
Other bursal enlargements (distended synovial sacs or
pouches) may be found located on various parts of the legs,
but no special name has been given to them.
3. Diseases of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin.
Poll evil—tLocation: In the region of the poll.
Fistulous withers.—Location: In the region of the withers.
Sweeny (atrophy or wasting of the muscles).—Location:
Usually in the shoulder or the hip.
Broken knees—Location: Front part of the kneejoint.
Capped elbow——Location: Point of the elbow.
Capped hock.—Location: Point of the hock.
Curb.—Location: Lower and back part of the hock.
Sprung knees.—Location: Knees.
Cocked ankles——Location: Fetlock joints.
Bowed tendons.—Location: Flexor tendons below the knee
and hock.
Breakdown.—Location: Sprain of the suspensory ligament.
Saddle galls——Location: On the saddle bed.
Cinch galls —Location: On the parts coming in contact with
the cinch.
Collar galls——tLocation: On the parts coming in contact
with the collar.
4. Diseases of the foot.
Thrush.—Location: Frog.
Canker.—Location: Frog and sole.
Chronic laminitis—Location:- Sensitive lamine.
Corn.—Location: Between the wall and bar.
Quarter crack.—Location: Quarters of the hoof.
Quittor.—Location: Top of the coronet.
Contracted heels.—Location: Heels..
Toe cracks.—Location: At the toe of the hoof.
CHAPTER IL.
STABLE MANAGEMENT OF THE SICK AND INJURED.
CARE OF THE SICK.
The sick horse should, if practicable, be immediately removed
to a large, clean, ight and well-ventilated box stall, free from
drafts and located as far as possible from other horses. Clean
bedding should be provided, and the stall kept free from
manure and moisture. If such a stall can not be provided a
double stall, with the kicking bar removed and ropes or bars
placed across the front of it, will answer the purpose.
If the patient is suffering from a febrile disease (fever) dur-
ing the cold season of the year, paulins or horse covers can be
hung up in such a manner as to serve as a protection from
drafts, care being taken to allow sufficient air to enter this im-
provised box stall. Such patients must be clothed according
to the season. of the year, the blanket drawn well forward on the
neck and fastened in front, the legs, after hand-rubbing, band-
aged with red flannels. The bandages should be changed
several times daily, and the legs thoroughly rubbed to stimu-
late circulation.
Horses with diseases of the nervous system require to be kept
absolutely quiet, and must be removed as far as possible from
all noise. It is preferable that only one man be allowed to
attend to their wants, as a change of attendants would very
likely cause excitement and thus increase the severity of the
disease. Animals suffering from debilitating diseases should
be tempted with and fed any food that is rich in nourishment
and easily digested. It should be given only in such quantities
as the animal will readily eat, and any portion left over should
be at once removed, as food constantly placed before a sick
animal will have a tendency to deprive it of all appetite.
Food that is wet, such as bran mashes or steamed oats, will soon
sour in warm weather and will get cold or may freeze during
the winter; if eaten in these conditions it may cause diarrhea
colic, ete. Feed boxes, water buckets, and all parts of the stall
(18)
14 THE ARMY HORSE.
must be kept clean and free from odor. The hay should be
clean and bright, and only the best given to the sick animal.
Pure water should be provided, and placed in such a position as
to enable the animal to reach it without difficulty; a sick horse
will frequently rinse the lips and mouth with water if given
the opportunity, even when not thirsty. The water should be
changed as often as necessary during the day to insure a pure
and fresh supply at all times.
A horse suffermg from colic requires sufficient space, well
bedded, to prevent injuring himself by rolling during a spasm
of pain. A man should be constantly in attendance, as there
is danger that the animal may become east and be unable to get
up without assistance.
Undigested matter being the exciting cause in almost all cases
of colic, food should be withheld for about twelve hours after
all pain has disappeared, and then given only in small quanti-
ties during the next twenty-four hours, after which the ordi-
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SECTION OF THE HOOF AND PASTERN.
THE NORRIS PETERS CO., WASHINGTON, D.C
> 6
THE ARMY HORSE, 43
Bones of the foot.
The bones of the pastern region and foot form a column
extending downward from the fetlock into the hoof, and, as
previously stated, are named as follows: Os suffraginis (long
pastern bone), os coronw (short pastern bone), 0s pedis (coffin
bone), and os navicularis (shuttle bone).
The os suffraginis is about one-third as-long as the cannon
bone (the bone extending from the knee or hock to the fetlock)
and reaches from the fetlock joint above to the pastern joint
below; its superior extremity shows a shallow cavity on each
side, separated in the middle by a deep groove, and into this
surface fits the lower end of the cannon bone. The inferior
extremity 1s much smaller and narrower than the upper; on
each side is a small convex surface, the two surfaces separated
in the middle by a shallow groove. This extremity meets the
upper end of the os corone and forms the pastern joint.
The os corone follows the direction of the os suffraginis
downward and forward and hes between the pastern and coffin
joints, its lower end being within the hoof.
Its superior surface shows a shallow cavity on each side, with
a ridge between them to fit the lower end of the os suffraginis.
The lower surface of this bone shows a convex part on each
side, separated by a groove, to fit the upper surface of the coffin
bone in the coffin joint.
The os pedis is an irregular bone, situated within the hoof
and is similar to it in shape.
The anterior surface is known as the wall surface; it shows
a number of small openings, called foramina, for the passage
of blood vessels and nerves, and is roughened to give attach-
ment to the soft parts (sensitive laminw) covering it. At the
top of this surface, in front, is a ridge called the pyramidal
process, to which is attached the extensor pedis tendon.
The lower surface, called the sole, is half-moon-shaped, con-
cave and smooth, and is covered by the sensitive sole. The
upper surface helps to form the coffin joint and is called the
articular surface; it shows two shallow cavities, separated by a
ridge.
Just back of the articular surface is a small triangular sur-
face to fit the navicular bone behind.
Just back of the sole is a rough surface, to which is attached
the flexor pedis perforans tendon; it is called the tendinous
Surface. °
e
44 THE ARMY HORSE.
On each side of this surface is a groove running forward
and terminating in an opening, called the plantar foramen, an
artery and a nerve enter the bone and a vein leaves it through
this opening.
‘ On each side of the os pedis, extending backward, is a pro-
longation, called the wing. Each wing is divided by a notch
and then by a groove, which runs forward on the outside of the
bone; an artery hes in the notch and groove.
The os navicularis is an irregular bone situated behind and
below the os corone and behind the os pedis, articulating with
both bones. Its long axis is perpendicular to the axis of the
foot. The extremities of the bone are attached to the wings of
the os pedis; the inferior surface is covered with cartilage,
which forms a smooth surface for the movements of the tendon
of the flexor pedis perforans muscle.
Elastic structures of the foot.
All of the parts of the foot,-except the bones, are more or
less elastic or “ springy ” and yield when pressure is applied;
but certain parts have a very high degree of elasticity, their’
special use being to overcome the effects of concussion or jar
when the foot strikes the ground and to prevent injury, and
these parts are referred to as the elastic structures of the foot.
They are the lateral cartilages and plantar cushion, or fatty
frog, as it is sometimes called. :
The lateral cartilages are thin plates of cartilage, one at-
tached to the top of each wing of the os pedis, and extending
backward and upward so far that their upper borders may be
felt under the skin above the coronet at the heels.
The plantar cushion is a very elastic wedge-shaped pad,
which fills up the space between the two lateral cartilages on
the sides, the sensitive frog below, and the flexor pedis per-
forans tendon above.
The point or anterior part of the plantar cushion extends
forward to the ridge which separates the sole from the tendin-
ous surface of the os pedis. The base is covered by the skin
above the heels.
Sensitive structures of the foot.
Over the bones and elastic structures of the foot is found a
complete covering of very sensitive flesh, and from each part of
e ¥
THE ARMY HORSE. 45
this covering some part of the hoof is secreted or formed. The
divisions of this layer of flesh are called the sensitive parts or
structures of the foot. They are the coronary band, sensitive
lamine, sensitive sole, sensitive frog, and the coronary frog
band,
The coronary band is a thick convex band of tough flesh,
about 4 inch wide, and extends entirely around the top of the
hoof from one bulb of the heel to the other; in front it is
attached to the extensor pedis tendon, and on the sides to liga-
ments of the coffin joint, to the lower end of the os coronee, and
to the lateral cartilages. The surface of the coronary band is
covered with small pointed projections or villi. The coronary
band secretes or forms the principal part (middle layer) of the
wall of the. hoof.
The sensitive laminw (fleshy leaves) cover and are firmly
attached to the anterior or wall surface of the os pedis and to
the lower part of the outer surface of. the lateral cartilages.
These delicate leaves of the flesh dovetail into the horny
lamine and, with them, serve to fasten the wall of the hoof to
the os pedis and to the lateral cartilages.
The sensitive sole covers the sole surface of the os pedis, is
covered with villi, and secretes the horny sole.
The sensitive frog covers the lower face of the plantar
cushion, and from its villi the horny frog is secreted.
The coronary frog band or perioplic ring 1s a narrow band
of flesh running around just above the coronary band and sepa-
‘ated from it by a faint groove. From the fine villi on the
surface of this ring the delicate fibers grow which form the
periople.
The hoof.
The box or case of horn, called the hoof, which incloses and
protects the other structures of the foot, is divided into three
parts—wall, sole, and frog. Ina healthy foot these parts are
solidly united.
The wall is the part seen when the foot is on the ground; it
extends from the edge of the hair to the ground and is divided
into the foe, quarters, heels, and bars, it has an internal surface,
an external surface, and an upper and a lower border.
The foc is the front part of the wall. It is steeper in the
hind foot than in the fore. The quarters extend backward
from the toe to the heels. The heel or buttress is that part of
46 THE ARMY HORSE,
the wall where it bends inward and forward, and the ar is the
division of the wall running from the heel to within about 1
inch of the point or apex of the frog. It les between the
horny sole-and the frog.
The external surface of the wall is covered by a thin varnish-
like coat of fine horn, called the periople.
The internal surface of the wall is covered by from 500 to
600 thin plates or leaves of horn, called the horny lamine.
Between the horny lamine, which run parallel to each other
and in a direction downward and forward, there are fissures
into which dovetail the sensitive lamina, and this union, as
previously stated, binds the wall of the hoof to the os pedis
and lateral cartilages.
The upper border of the wall shows a deep groove (coronary
groove) into which fits the coronary band.
The lower border is called the “bearing edge” (or “spread”
in the unshod foot) and is the part to which the shoe is fitted.
The horny sole is a thick plate of horn, somewhat half-moon-
shaped, and has two surfaces and two borders.
The upper surface is convex (round or bulging upward) and
is in union with the sensitive sole from which the horny sole
grows. The lower surface is concave or hollowed out and is
covered with scales or crusts of dead horn, which gradually
loosen and fall off.
The outer border of the sole joins the inner part of the lower
border of the wall by means of a ring of soft horn, called the
white line. This mark or line is sometimes called the guide
line, as it shows where the nail should be started in shoeing.
The inner border is a V-shaped notch and is in union with
the bars, except at its narrow part where it joins the frog.
The horny sole protects the sensitive sole and does not, in a
healthy foot, bear weight, except a very narrow border at the
white line, an eighth or tenth of an inch in width.
The horny frog 1s the wedge-shaped mass of horn filling up
the triangular space between the bars. The lower face shows
two prominent ridges, separated behind by a cavity, called the
cleft, and joining in front at the apex or point of the frog;
these ridges terminate behind in the bulbs of the frog. Be-
tween the sides of the frog and the bars are two cavities, called
the commissures. The upper surface of the horny frog is the
exact reverse of the lower and shows in the middle a ridge of
horn, called the frog stay, which assists in forming a firm
THE ARMY HORSE. AT
union between the horny and sensitive frog. The horny frog
serves to break the jar or concussion by acting as a cushion or
pad; it protects the sensitive frog and prevents the foot from
shpping.
Structure of horn.
The horn of the hoof presents a fibrous appearance and con-
sists of very fine horn fibers or tubes, similar to hairs, running
downward and forward and held together by a cementing sub-
stance. The horn fibers of wall, sole, and frog all run in the
same direction, downward and forward, the only difference °
being that those of the frog are much finer and softer and run
in wavy lines, whereas the fibers of wall and sole are straight.
The horn fibers grow from the small vill, which cover
surfaces of the coronary band, sensitive sole, and sensitive frog.
Circulation of blood through the foot.
In previous study of the arteries we have seen that the large
metacarpal of the fore leg and the great metatarsal of the hind
leg each divides just above the fetlock into two branches.
These branches are called the external and internal digital
arteries, one on the inner and one on the outer side of the
fetlock joint. They follow the borders of the flexor tendons
downward and terminate inside of the wings of the os pedis.
Each of the internal and external digital arteries gives off
five branches—the pez peneouay, transverse, artery of the frog Og,
preplantar ungual, and plantar ungual.
The perpendicular artery is given off at right angles about
the middle of the os suffraginis, descends on the side of the
pastern, bends forward and joins with the artery of the same
name from the opposite side and forms the superficial coronary
arch. From this arch branches descend to the coronary band.
The transverse artery comes off under the upper border of
the lateral cartilage, runs forward, and joins its fellow from
the opposite side between the extensor pedis tendon and the os
corone. The deep coronary arch is the name given to this
arrangement of the arteries, and branches from this arch also
supply the coronary band.
The artery of the frog rises behind the pastern joint at the
upper border of the lateral cartilage. It has two branches—
a posterior, which runs back and supplies the bulb of the heel,
48 THE ARMY HORSE.
and an anterior, which runs forward and downward through
the plantar cushion and supplies the sensitive frog.
The preplantar ungual artery is given off inside the wing
of the os pedis, passes through the preplantar notch, and runs
forward along the preplantar groove on the side of the bone.
It helps supply the sensitive laminz with blood and sends
some small branches into the bone to join branches from other
arteries.
The plantar ungual artery is the terminal or last branch of
the digital artery (is a continuation of that artery) and enters
the os pedis at the plantar foramen.
The two plantar ungual arteries run forward within the
bone and unite to form the circulus arteriosus. From this
circle spring ascending and descending branches. The ascend-
ing branches, called the anterior laminal arteries, leave the
bone through the small openings (foramina) and supply the
sensitive lamine in front. The descending branches, called
the inferior communicating arteries, are about fourteen in
number and emerge from the bone by the openings just above
its lower edge; they unite to form a large trunk, running
around the toe of the os pedis, called the circumflex artery,
and this artery gives off ascending and descending branches.
The ascending branches pass into the sensitive laminxe and
the descending branches, called the so/ar arteries, numbering
about fourteen, run backward through the sensitive sole to
form a second circle, called the inferior circumflex artery.
The veins of the foot are arranged in networks, each network
or plexus named from the parts in which it is located. The
solar plexus is found running all through the sensitive sole.
The laminal plexus runs through and under the sensitive
lamine. The coronary plexus surrounds the os coronxe and
upper part of the os pedis, just under the coronary band.
The veins of the frog are those found in the plantar cushion
and sensitive frog; the interosseous veins form a network
within the os pedis. The veins of the foot all unite above to
form a large trunk, called the digital vein, which runs along
the digital artery and carries the blood back toward the heart.
The veins of the foot are valveless below the middle of the
pastern, an arrangement which allows the blood to flow in
either direction when pressure is apphed and thus prevents
injury.
THE ARMY HORSE. 49
Nerves of the foot.
The nerves of the foot supply feeling or the sense of touch
to the parts. The large nerve cord on either side of the limb
divides at the fetlock joint into three branches, called the
digital nerves—the anterior, the posterior, and the middle.
The anterior digital nerve passes downward and forward
and supplies the anterior or front part of the foot.
The posterior digital nerve, the largest of the three, passes
down behind the digital artery to supply the structures in the
posterior part of the foot. It gives off a branch which passes
through the notch in the wing of the os pedis (in company
with the preplantar ungual artery) to supply some of the
sensitive laminze; it also sends branches into the os pedis with
the plantar ungual artery.
The middle branch is very small, is said to always join the
anterior branch, and supples the sensitive sole and fetlock
pad.
The functions of most of the parts of the foot have been
mentioned in passing, but there are some points in connection
with the physiology of the foot which need to be explained
more in detail.
Expansion and contraction.
When weight comes upon the leg, the os pedis descends
slightly and causes the sole to descend and flatten. The plantar
cushion and horny frog are compressed between the ground
below and the structures above; this compression causes them
to spread out sidewise, carrying outward the lateral cartilages
and bars and the wall at the quarters. This is called expansion.
When weight is removed from the leg, the plantar cushion
becomes thicker and narrower, and the lateral cartilages and
quarters move inward to where they were before expanding.
This is called contraction. The elastic lateral cartilage is
merely a flexible extension of the wing of the os pedis and
would appear to have been specially designed for expansion
and contraction at the quarters. It is also to be noted that the
bars are a provision for this same purpose, since expansion and
contraction could not take place if the wall formed a solid
unbroken ring around the hoof.
In addition to breaking the jar when the foot comes to the
ground, the plantar cushion has another important use. It
208444
50 THE ARMY HORSE.
assists In the circulation of the blood through the veins of the
foot. When weight is placed upon the foot the pressure on
the plantar cushion forces the blood upward through the veins;
then, when the foot is lifted and the pressure is removed from
the horny frog and plantar cushion, the veins of the frog again
fill with blood, and this pumping action is repeated with each
step. Proof of this statement is seen when a digital vein is cut,
by accident or in experiment. If the horse is walked, a jet
of blood spurts out each time he puts the foot to the ground;
but if he is allowed to stand the blood flows in a steady stream
from the vein. Great injury to the foot results from starting
the horse off suddenly at a fast gait on a hard road after he
has been standing for some time or when he first comes out of
the stable. The circulation (just explained) and the structures
of the foot should have time to gradually adapt themselves to
the change from rest to severe work.
Moisture.
The wall of the healthy hoof, is, by weight, about one-fourth
water, the sole more than one-third, and the frog almost one-
half. This water is supplied by the blood and preserves the
horn in a tough and elastic condition. The periople, which
covers the wall, prevents the evaporation of water, and there-
fore should never be rasped. As there is no similar covering
for the sole and the frog, the layers of horn on their exposed
surfaces dry out and die. The dead layers are hard and brittle,
and gradually fall or flake off; but, as they preserve the mois-
ture in the layers of live horn beneath, they. should not be
removed in preparing the hoof for shoeing.
Shoeing.
Shoeing is a necessary evil, but by remembering the fune-
tions of the various parts of the foot the damage resulting may
be limited to a comparatively small amount.
The following rules may serve as a guide for the shoeing of
healthy feet:
1. The wall being the weight bearer eheala be pared per-
fectly level or the foot will be thrown out of its true position,
causing extra strain on some of the gaments.
Fit the shoe accurately to the outline of the foot; do not
ee the latter to fit the shoe. Rasping away the exterior of
THE ARMY HORSE. 51
the crust to fit the shoe not only renders the horn brittle but
is so much loss of bearing surface.
3. The sole should not be touched with the knife; loose flakes
may be removed with a blunt instrument.
4. The bars should not be cut away; they are a part of the
wall and intended to carry weight. The shoe should rest on
them.
5. The frog should not be cut, but left to attain its full
growth. No frog can perform its functions unless on a level
with the ground surface of the shoe.
6. The shoe should have a true and level bearing and rest
well and firmly on the wall ,and bars.
A plain light-weight shoe is the best—plain on both ground
and foot surface.
7. High nailing is injurious; do not use any more nails than
are absolutely necessary, as the nails destroy the horn.
CHAPTER IV.
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES—WHIGHTS AND MEASURES.
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES.
Medicines may enter the body through any of the following
designated channels: First, by the mouth; second, by the lungs
and upper air passages; third, by the skin; fourth, under the
skin (hypodermically); fifth, by the rectum; and sixth, by
intravenous injection.
By the mouth—Medicines can be given by the mouth in the
form of powders, balls, and drenches.
By the air passages.—Medicines are administered to the
lungs and upper air passages by inhalations and nasal douches.
By the skin.—Care must be taken in applying some medi-
cines over too large a portion of the body at any one time, as
poisoning and death may follow from too rapid absorption
through the skin. For domestic animals medicines are to be
applied to the skin for local purposes or diseases only.
By the rectum.—Medicines may be given by the rectum when
we can not give or have them retained by the mouth; when we
want local action; to destroy the small worms infesting the
large bowels; to stimulate the natural movement of the intes-
tine and cause an evacuation; and to nourish the body.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
Solid measure.*
GO Morass (eur. ieae ts. ae ee conte ees, eee 1 dram(-3 ).
SGI Sessa Oe a ees a eee 2 Se Aes Sse eee I ounce 3»):
UNG! SO TUNTA CSS ee eo ee eee Si wees ee 1 pound (1b.).
Liquid measure,
GO) natin (Gana) ere eee Lak SEO Oe ee a ailwbcol Mohiteuoay (Gr, &°))e
8 sl ai Gis Char aaa Sa ee me eee ee 1° fiuid ounce (fi. 2):
SLUG cE a Cl @ TUL Seo ec ee 1 pint (O.).
Be ea COUN COS. tee sealieen eee ee RU sue ee ene 1 quart (Oii.).
AEP C (UES Nel rs ieee Paes eee eee ganre s eteata eee a ls 1 gallon (Ci.).
*The difference in weight between the apothecaries’ ounce (480
grains) and the ounce avoirdupois (437.5 grains) is neglected in hand-
ling veterinary or bully medicines.
(52)
THE ARMY HORSE. 53
PRESCRIPTIONS.
In writing prescriptions roman numerals are used instead of
arabic (ordinary figures) and the numerals follow the symbols,
thus: 3 vii for 7 drams; f 3 xii for 12 fluid drams, etc.
FIELD EXPEDIENTS.
In garrison, doses must be accurately measured by scales or
graduates, according to the tables of dry or liquid measure, but
in the field the following rough expedients may be used:
Dry measure.
1 ounce of lead acetate.
ounce of zine sulphate.
drams of a. powder.
ANiay) (Og laa ke aK CS NSH OO OM ee ean ere ee
(Heaping full.)
(Obisto invari GV amie Cow eee, eee ese ale eae es he of a quart.
3
4
9
~
\ 1 ounce of a salt.
q
58
Full day’s ration of medium-weight oats... 14 cups.
Liquid measure.
NG Clie © yp es eee nee dete ee Saar a RS he 1 minim.
YX FUTEEEHS) OGY @) Me EIU IL MESO a, eee AY a eens ee 1 fluid dram.
SGA DLES MOO mA eeeeeey ees eee twee aS oe 4 fluid ounce.
ARSUOIRO) UY Oe deme eng ate gr 5 ce ee = a 28 ounces = { of a quart.
CHAPTER V.
WOUNDS, SPRAINS, BRUISES, ABRASIONS, AND ABSCESSES.
WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT.
Wounds are classed as: Jncised wounds, or cuts; lacerated
wounds, or tears; and punctured wounds, or holes.
A dressing 1s a local, periodically repeated treatment, pro-
ducing a continued action, and often following the performance
of an operation. It is the application upon the surface of the
wound of healing substances, which, in some cases, are mechan-
ically held in place by bandages, stitches, ete.
Before applying a dressing the wound should be thoroughly
cleansed and freed from blood, pus, the remains of previous
dressing, and, in a word, of any foreign or other substances
capable of becoming sources of irritation. This is best done
with water, but the effect 1s frequently greatly improved by
combining with it some of the antiseptics, such as carbolic acid,
creolin, bichloride of mercury, ete.
Antiseptics are remedies which prevent putrefaction, or
rotting, and their combinations with water are called solutions.
The solution may be applied by carefully passing a saturated
ball of oakum over the surface of the wound, or it may be used
more freely in larger ablutions (washings). Crusts or scabs, if
present, may be removed with the scissors or scraped away with
the knife, but the finger nails must never be used for such a
purpose, for the practice is both filthy and dangerous. The
wound is to be handled only when necessary; all needless
handling irritates. If the wound is deep, it should be cleansed
by syringing.
The essential condition of cleanliness apphes not only to the
wound but also to the materials used for dressings, and soiled
cloths or bandages and dirty oakum must be rigorously re-
jected; everything coming in contact with a wound must be
absolutely clean, hands as well as instruments and dressings.
In the treatment of all wounds cleanliness is of more impor-
tance than medication, but the two in combination, when
thoroughly and intelligently carried out, will leave no room for
(54)
Dt
Dt
THE ARMY HORSE.
the propagation and ravages of those germs that cause the
formation of pus, and retard the healing process. The farrier,
or the man who is to care for the injured animal, should have
his hands thoroughly clean, and should procure in a clean can
or bucket a solution of creolin or other antiseptic, and several
clean pieces of cotton, gauze, or oakum. Sponges are cleaned
with difficulty and should not be used.
If hemorrhage (bleeding) is profuse tne first step is to arrest
the flow of blood by ligating (tying) the blood vessel-or vessels
with a piece of silk, or if none is at hand, with a clean piece of
string; if the blood vessels can not be tied, a thick pad made of
cotton or of several layers of gauze or clean. cloth, folded so as
to cover the wound, and held firmly in place by one or more
cotton bandages, will check the flow of blood. This arrange-
ment, called a compress, should be left on until the hemorrhage
ceases, and the wound treated as described later.
In applying dressings (except compresses) unnecessary pres-
sure should be avoided, especially on the soft tissues.
Incised wounds.—lf the injury is one that can be sutured
(sewed) a needle and silk should be immersed in a solution of
creolin—creolin 1 part, water 50 parts; the air around the
wound should either be shaved or be clipped with a pair of
shears, and the wound thoroughly cleansed by washing it with
cotton saturated with the creolin solution; all dirt and hair
must be removed, all ragged edges, if any, cut away, and the
edges of the wound placed in contact with each other if possible
and held in place by the aid of sutures, care being taken to allow
free drainage; the wound should then be wiped dry with a
fresh piece of cotton or gauze, and over the surface should be
dusted some iodoform or acetanilid. If the location will per-
mit, the wound should be covered with a pad of gauze or ab-
sorbent cotton, and a cotton bandage wrapped around the parts
to hold the pad in place. The wound should be dressed once or
twice a day until the formation of pus ceases; when the wound
is dry, only the powder should be used.
Lacerated wounds.—lf the wound is a large one, with the
skin and tissues so badly torn and lacerated as not to admit of
the use of sutures, the torn and ragged edges (especially if the
lower part of the wound hangs down) should be removed with
the knife or scissors and the wound dressed as above directed.
When the wound begins to granulate (fill with new tissue)
eare should be taken that the granulations are not allowed to
56 THE ARMY HORSE.
grow out higher than the skin, causing the condition knows as
proud flesh.
The treatment of proud flesh consists in the removal of the
unhealthy tissue by the use of the knife or by the application of
a red-hot iron; burnt alum or salicylic acid dusted upon the
surface of the wound will also destroy the unhealthy granules.
Punctured wounds.—Punctured wounds (except those around
joints) should be explored with a probe to ascertain if any
foreign bodies are in the channel; if so, they should be re-
moved, and if necessary a dependent opening be made to allow
perfect drainage. The parts should then be syringed out
thoroughly with a solution of creolin, 1 to 50; carbolic acid, .
1 to 20 or 30; or, bichloride of mercury, 1 to 1,000, and the out-
side opening sprinkled with iodoform. This treatment should
be apphed twice daily.
Wounds of the lips, nostrils, and eyelids heal very rapidly; if
of several days’ standing they should have their edges scraped
and then be sutured, and iodoform or acetanilid dusted over the
surface twice daily.
An excellent antiseptic solution for the treatment of wounds
during fly time is made by dissolving 8 ounces of gum camphor
in 8 ounces of carbolic acid. Apply with a clean swab several
times daily.
Punctured wounds around joints.
Open joimt is a wound situated on a joint and extending
through the capsular ligament, allowing the joint oil to escape.
Treatment.—Remove the hair and thoroughly clean the parts
around the wound; unless a foreign body is known to be lodged
in it do not probe or explore, as the introduction of any instru-
ment, even if thoroughly clean, will be the means of setting up
considerable inflammation. Wash thoroughly with a solution
of bichloride of mercury, 1 to 1,000; then sprinkle with iodo-
form, and, if possible, bandage as before recommended; sutures
may be used, provided movement of the joint and tearing can
be prevented. When the wound is not likely to heal quickly, or
simple treatment has failed, a blister of biniodide of mercury
1 part, cosmoline 4 parts, may be applied, for the purpose of
closing the opening, limiting motion, and reheving pain.
CAUSE AND TREATMENT OF SPRAINS.
Sprains affect muscles, tendons, and hgaments. The fibers
of which they are composed are severely stretched, sometimes
PLATE X.
Fig.1,Curb. Fig. 2,Bursal enlargement. Fig.3, Sprain of the flexor tendons
(bowed tendons). Fig.4, Line firing. Fig. 5, Capped hock.
THE ARMY HORSE. 57
torn in serious cases, causing inflammation and subsequent con-
traction, and, in case of muscles, atrophy or sweeny (wasting
away).
Strains of the muscles.
Muscle strains occur in various parts of the trunk and limbs;
thus, a horse may strain the neck muscles, as a result of falling
on the head; the muscles of the dorsal region may be strained
by the hind feet shpping backward. When a muscle is strained
the injury is succeeded by. pain, swelling, heat, and loss of
function.
An inflamed muscle can no longer contract; hence in some
strains the symptoms resemble those of paralysis.
Sprains of the suspensory ligament and flexor tendons.
The fibrous structures situated behind the cannon bone, both
in the front and hind legs, are often the seat of lacerations or
sprains resulting from violent efforts or sudden jerks. The
injury is easily recognized by the changed appearance of the
parts (Plate X, Fig. 8), which become more or less swollen;
the swelling usually extending from the knee down to the fet-
lock and occasionally even farther. It is always characterized
by heat and is variously sensitive, ranging from a mere tender-
ness to a degree of soreness which shrinks from the lightest
touch. The degree of lameness corresponds to the severity of
the injury.
Sprains of ligaments.
The calcaneo-cuboid lgament, situated at the back part of
the hock and uniting the caleaneum, the cuboid, and the ex-
ternal splint bones, is frequently sprained. This condition is
known as a “curb” (Plate X, Fig. 1).
The various ligaments entering into the formation of joints
are subject to sprains and injuries. This condition is indicated
by lameness, accompanied by pain, heat, and swelling.
The capsular hgament when sprained very often becomes
weakened, resulting in distention of the synovial sac (Plate X,
Fig. 2). Bursal enlargements receive different names, accord-
ing to their location. Bog spavin is a characteristic bursal en-
largement. It is found on the front and inner side of the hock
joint and varies in size with the amount of distention of the
capsular ligament. The. trouble is usually caused by slipping,
58 THE ARMY HORSE.
hard and fast work, irregular exercise, and high feeding.
Draft animals, pulling heavy loads over rough or slippery
ground, are particularly subject to this injury, which is also
more commonly seen in young than in mature animals. The
swelling can be readily detected; under pressure it fluctuates;
heat may or may not be present; lameness rarely results unless
the injury be accompanied by complications, such as bone
spavin or bony deposits.
In sprain of the stifle joint, the ligaments holding it in
position are severely stretched, in some cases sprained or
ruptured, and even dislocation of the patella may occur. In
this trouble the patella 1s forced outward and thus makes the
joint immovable, the leg being extended backward and the foot
resting on the toe. If the animal is forced to move, he drags
the leg, being unable to bring it forward in the natural manner
on account of the dislocation. The bone is returned to place in
the following manner: