66 DISEASES OP 



when resting; the horse usually moves very stiff or lame 

 for the first few minutes, which passes off in many in- 

 stances after travelling a mile or so. If the inflammation 

 has extended to the surface, there will be pain on pres- 

 sure; later, there will probably be some enlargement. 

 It will be found, however, that the symptoms of spavin 

 vary considerably and depend on the situation of the 

 diseased part, and the amount of destruction of normal 

 tissues that is going on. 



Treatment. Have a high heeled shoe applied as soon 

 as the nature of the disease is known, and, in my opin- 

 ion, this is one of the most important requirements. If 

 the lameness does not increase with exercise or perhaps 

 light work, it is sometimes advisable to continue to work 

 the horse every day. In fact, we frequently meet with 

 cases that do not improve with rest, though sometimes 

 persisted in for months at a time, but when turned out 

 to pasture immediately do so, and soon become useful 

 animals. This probably occurs in consequence of the 

 process of bony union between the diseased bones be- 

 coming completed quicker when the bone is actively 

 exercised. Other cases require long and absolute rest. 

 The rule should be that all horses in which the lame- 

 ness is increased by work, shall have absolute rest. 

 The very best application as a remedy for spavin is 

 HEARD'S AMERICAN EMBROCATION, well rubbed in three 

 times a day for five minutes each time, until a blistering 

 effect is produced. Then cease for five or six days after 

 which repeat the treatment. This will cure any of the 

 ordinary cases of spavin. If we have ulceration on the 

 x inside of the joint, and consequently great lameness, the 

 horse should be fired and a blister composed of one part 

 of biniodide of mercury and six parts of vaseline ap- 



