Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Ring-bone

RING-BONE, in farriery, denotes a hard swelling on the lower end of the pastern, generally extending half way round the fore-part of the horse's leg: it is thus termed, from its resemblance to a ring.

This malady frequently arises from strains, and similar accidents; though, when affecting the hind-pastern, it is often occasioned by forcing young horses too early on their haunches. When the tumefied part is distinctly perceivable round the pastern, without affecting the coffin-joint, it is easily cured. But, if it originate from some strain or defect in this joint; or from a callosity seated under the round ligament that covers it; the cure is generally difficult, and sometimes impracticable; because the disorder is apt to degenerate into a Quittor-bone, and eventually to form an ulcer upon the hoof.

Ring bones occurring in colts and young horses, frequently disappear, without the aid of any application; and, while the substance remains tolerably sound, blistering will, in general, prove a sufficient remedy. But, if the swelling be of long continuance, and has become hard, it may then require both blistering and firing. In order to perform this operation with success, the iron employed, should be thinner than that commonly used for such purpose, and the lines or razes, must not be made above one quarter of an inch apart, crossing each other obliquely. A mild blister, extending over the cauterized parts, should next be applied; and, after having produced the desired effect, it will be requisite only to cover them with the common defensive plaster, which will in most cases complete the cure.