DISEASE OF BONES, JOINTS, ETC. 



with iodine afterwards. Sometimes veterinary surgeons 

 puncture the sw^Hing, let out the fluid, and then syringe the 

 cavity ; but this is not the shghtest use unless it be repeated 

 several times, allowing about six weeks to elapse between each 

 puncturing. The author advises that a veterinary surgeon be 

 consulted. 



• CAPPED HOCK. 



The term, capped hock, can be applied to any swelling 

 situated upon the point of the hock. Over this latter there is 

 a tendon playing {flexor pedis perforatus), forming a sort of cap 

 at this part. Between the hinder surface of the tendon and 

 skin, at the point of the hock, there is a small lubricating mem- 

 brane, while between the cap of the tendon and the bone there 

 is a large lubricating apparatus, known as a " synovial bursa." 

 Either of these may be the seat of capped hock, which, so far 

 as its origin is concerned, may be due to : — 



I. Thickening of the skin or tissues beneath this. 2. 

 Dropsy beneath the skin, which is the commonest cause of 

 capped hock. 3. Dropsy between the tendon and bone, i.e., 

 of the synovial bursa. 4. Diseases of the point of the hock, 

 or thickening of the tendon where it plays over here. 



Causes. — Capped hock is usually caused by a blow upon 

 the point of the hock. It is commonly seen in conhrmed 

 kickers, though a bruise in this situation may happen in a 

 variety of ways, and although a capped hock or hocks may not 

 be indicative of " unsoundness," the would-be purchaser should 

 always regard such as being very suspicious. Repeated bruising 

 during the act of rising is a common cause. 



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