Curb.

Curb. See BRIDLE.—The disease in horses so called consists of strain of the straight ligament which runs down the back of the hock; is most common in animals with straight small hocks and that conformation known as sickle hams; whilst like other strains it occurs from sudden and violent exertion, often proceeding in the lighter breeds from leaping or galloping in heavy ground, and in the heavier, from the effort of keeping back a load whilst going down a steep incline. Swelling appears on the outer and back part of the joint, about 5 or 6 inches below the point of the hock, generally causing lameness, which is most apparent in trotting, and, in slight cases, usually decreases after the animal has been out for ten minutes. Fomentations must first be used to allay the irritation and inflammation, and a high-heeled shoe put in; when heat and tenderness disappear, cold applications will be advisable; after which the enlargement still continuing, a blister may be necessary; whilst, from the first, all work must be forbidden.