the wound treated. Large animals suffering with a fracture of any of the
bones of the limb should be placed in slings. Incomplete fracture should
receive the same treatment as simple fracture. If this is practised, the
danger of its becoming complete is avoided.

[Illustration: FIG. 61.--Shoulder abscess caused by loose-fitting harness.]

HARNESS INJURIES.--This class of injuries is common in horses that are
given steady, hard work, or that are not accustomed to work. Young horses,
when first put to hard work, are especially prone to injuries from the
collar. A large proportion of these injuries are due to an ill-fitting
harness or saddle.

When the harness is not adjusted or fitted properly, there is severe
pressure on certain parts. This is the common cause of shoulder abscesses
(Fig. 61), sore necks and sit-fasts. Rough, uneven surfaces on the faces of
the collar and saddle are the common causes of galling. The character of
the work is an important factor. Work that requires the animal to support
weight on the top surface of the neck is productive of sore neck. Heavy
work over rough, uneven ground frequently causes shoulder abscesses and
strained muscles.

The simplest and most common harness injuries are galling, sore shoulders
and sore neck. Harness galls first appear as flat, painful swellings. On
raising the collar from the skin the inflamed area appears dry and the
surrounding hair is wet with sweat. Later, the skin becomes hard and its
outer layer, and sometimes the deeper layer as well, slough, or is rubbed
off by friction of the harness. The surface then appears red and moist.
Fluctuating swellings due to small collections of blood and lymph sometimes
form. Sometimes, small areas on the face of the shoulder and that portion