Opening of the joint generally results from accidents, from puncturing
with sharp substances, from kicks, blows, etc. These injuries cause
considerable nervous irritation in the system, and sometimes cause
lock-jaw and death.
_Treatment._--Close up the wound as speedily as possible. The
firing-iron will sometimes answer the purpose very well. The author
depends more upon the application of collodion--as recommended in his
work upon "The Horse and His Diseases" for the same trouble--than upon
any other remedy. It requires care in its application, in order to make
it adhere firmly. Shoemakers'-wax, melted and applied, answers a very
good purpose.