Treatise on Veterinary Medicine (Volume 3) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1821. Excerpt: ... 165 CHAPTER XXII. ON STRAINS. By the term strain is generally understood the excessive extension of a part, and the parts commonly considered as liable to such accidents are the muscles, the ligaments, and the tendons with their appendages. This opinion is correct, as far as it goes, but strains are generally of a more serious nature, and depend on a rupture of some of those parts. It is unnecessary to dwell long on this subject; the nature of those accidents has been already explained in a general way, and to speak generally of the cure, still fewer words are necessary. Bleeding to the extent of six quarts or two gallons, is the first remedy to be employed, but not the most essential; for without rest, absolute rest, until the inflammation has subsided, nothing can do any good. It may be supposed that this copious bleeding is applicable only to severe strains, or strains of important parts; but it is the best practice in all strains, in whatever part they may occur, or in whatever degree. With respect to strains of particular parts, though the essential remedies, bleeding and rest, are in all of them necessary; the situation of the pari may admit of some variation, in the use ol local or subordinate remedies; a description of each may also be necessary; therefore, as in the former editions, each will have a separate consideration. Strain of the Shoulder. Injuries of the shoulder occur more frequently than veterinary surgeons seem disposed to admit; they do not, however, often occur in that degree, as to constitute what may be called a strain. Young horses, during the time of breaking, are generally the subjects of such accidents, especially when they are taken up and broken at the early age they now commonly are. They are not, it is true, often so violen...