Firing Iron

THF198656 / Firing Iron
01

Artifact Overview

For centuries, veterinarians have treated horses with certain leg injuries with heated firing or cauterizing irons. Veterinarians believed that burning small areas near the injury would increase blood flow, helping heal the damaged leg. This practice has fallen into disuse among veterinarians due to the lack of evidence that it is an effective treatment.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Cauterizing iron

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

81.59.63

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Wood (Plant material)

Color

Dark gray
Brown

Dimensions

Height: 16 in
Width: 2.25 in
Length: 1 in

Firing Iron