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Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 July 1938, Page 3

The heavy and slow moving type of farm horse is much less liable to sprains, etc., than others, but at the same time there is always the risk of a sprain being caused by some slip or sudden strain, and the animal goes lame. In most cases, swelling and tenderness indicate the seat of the sprain, but when the shoulder muscles are affected diagnosis is not easy. Rest, is, of course, the first item of treatment, and probably the most imand whatever else is ‘done to depend on the circumstances of the particular' case. Frequently, hot fomentations may be used to relieve the pain, and a piece of flannel put- on and kept wet with a sedative lotion, the lotion being sprinkled over the flannel two or three times a day.

The services of a horse are often lost during a busy time owing to harness galls, and in many bases it is due to faulty-fitting harness, but offe must always remember that young animals have tender skins, and therefore need careful watching in this respect. The big-boned, lean type of horse is always very difficult to fit with comfortable harness, and another “awkward” animal to deal with is the horse with a naturally thin and tender skin which chafes very easily. Harness injuries are due either to friction or" pressure, and if they are detected in'- the early stages a day or two’s rest and correct adjustment of the harness may be all that is needed. However, should a lotion be required, the following is one that has proved beneficial on. many occasions: One ounce each of.plumb acet., zinc sulph., and tine, arnic.; two drams of formalin and water to thirty ounces. This should be applied with a sponge two or three times a day.