SIMPLE AILMENTS 321 



" Therefore spavin is not hereditary. Scientifically it is 

 proved, however, that a deficient formation of the hocks and 

 a faulty position of the thighs, which predispose a horse to 

 this disease {causa interna) are transmitted. Thus it follows 

 that with regard to spavin, only horses with defective hocks 

 or a faulty position of the thighs on the one hand, and 

 badly constructed bones on the other hand, must be excluded 

 from breeding." Baron Von Oettingen adds : " I fully sub- 

 scribe to the view of Professor Eberlein" ; and then mentions 

 several stallions afflicted with spavin, all of whom begat 

 sound stock. 



Bog Spavins. 



These have nothing to do with true spavins, and are soft 

 swellings in front of the hock, a kind of synovial dropsy, 

 which very rarely cause lameness. 



Curbs. 



Curbs are a sprain of the ligaments at the back of the 

 hock, about 4 inches below the point, where a swelling may 

 be felt, with heat and soreness. A sudden shp in deep 

 ground when galloping or jumping, or the catching of a toe 

 when trotting along the road, especially by a young horse 

 when tired, are frequent causes of curb. As horses get 

 older they frequently grow out of the tendency to spring 

 curbs ; but those weak hocks which have a piece cut out of 

 the shank, as it were, just below the joint in front, are 

 always liable to contract this ailment. 



To ease the pain dissolve a handful of common washing 

 soda in a quart of warm water, and apply it to the swelling 

 with a sponge. Afterwards soak a woollen or serge bandage 

 in the liquid, and wrap it round with a dry one outside. 

 The next morning mix — 



Sal Ammoniac ... ... ... ... ... 2 oz. 



Vinegar... ... ... ... ... ... ^cupful 



and add to it a quart of boiling water. When cool put it 

 into a bottle, and sponge the curb two or three times daily 



