110 



MANUAL FOR STABLE SERGEANTS. 



3 



390. Spavin (fig. 43). Spavin is a disease affecting the bones of 

 the hock joint and usually appears as a bony enlargement on the 

 inner and lower part of the hock. 



Causes. Violent strains in rearing, jumping, pulling, or galloping, 

 and severe rapid work, especially under the saddle. Tied-in hocks 

 and sickle-shaped hocks are more likely to suffer than those that are 



broad and well developed. 



Symptoms. -The develop- 

 ment of spavin is usually 

 accompanied by lameness, 

 which, in the earlier stages 

 of the disease, is noticed only 

 when the animal is first 

 moved after a rest, at which 

 time the toe is generally 

 placed on the ground first, the 

 heel not being brought down 

 until the step is nearly com- 

 pleted. The bony enlarge- 

 ment may be present when 

 the lameness appears, or it 

 may not develop for several 

 weeks thereafter. 



Treatment. The same as 

 that prescribed for ringbone 

 (par. 388). 



391. Splints (fig. 44). 

 Splints are bony enlarge- 

 ments, usually situated be- 

 tween the inner splint bone 

 and the cannon bone.^ They 

 seldom occur on the hind leg. 

 Causes. Fast work on hard roads; improper shoeing favoring inter- 

 fering and unequal distribution of weight on the leg. 



Symptoms. In the early stages there is slight swelling, increased 

 heat, pain on pressure, and more or less thickening. Lameness may 

 or may not be present. When present, it disappears in the later 

 stages and the swelling becomes hard . 



Treatment. Necessary only when the animal is lame. If due to 

 improper shoeing, remove the shoe and level the foot. Shower the 

 part daily with cold water and follow each shower with a white 



FIG. 43. Spavin. 



