492 TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 



than with a sluggish one. It is an incurable disease and very 

 considerably lessens the price. It is best detected by causing 

 the animal to back, or turning him around in his tracks first one 

 way and then the other. 



Swollen legs. A swollen leg usually indicates disease, the 

 causes being many. It is also not uncommon in old horses, 

 or those having a sluggish circulation. It is not an unsound- 

 ness, but detracts from the appearance and is highly undesir- 

 able. Treatment consists in giving laxatives, saltpeter, and 

 moderate exercise. 



Thoroughpin. This is similar to bog spavin; it is a swell- 

 ing occurring at the back and on top of the hock in that part 

 known as the "hollows." It is due to weakness of the capsular 

 ligament and to hyper-secretion of synovial fluid. It is round 

 and smooth, and most apparent when viewed from behind. 

 The swelling is usually on both sides and a little in front of the 

 hamstring. When pressed on one side, further distention oc- 

 curs on the opposite side. It seldom causes lameness. Treat- 

 ment is the same as for bog spavin. Thoroughpin is not a 

 serious ailment, being usually only an eyesore, although many 

 horsemen consider it an unsoundness. 



Thrush. This is a disease of the cleft of the frog which 

 may cause lameness. It is usually the result of negligence, the 

 result of uncleanliness. The cleft of the frog becomes sup- 

 purating and moist, and there is a very rank odor. Treatment 

 consists in washing, disinfecting, drying, dusting with a little 

 calomel, and packing. This must be repeated daily until the 

 part becomes normal. 



Windgall or road puff. Joints and tendons are furnished 

 with sacs containing a lubricating fluid called synovia. When 

 these sacs at the fetlocks become distended by reason of an 

 excessive secretion of synovia, they are called windgalls. They 

 form a soft, puffy tumor about the size of a hickory nut or walnut. 

 They are sometimes found in young horses, but are most common 

 in horses used for hard labor, especially on pavements. They 

 may be accompanied by lameness, but if not, they are classed 

 merely as blemishes. As a rule, no treatment is necessary in 

 young horses. Older animals may be treated by resting, cold- 

 water douches and bandages, and blistering. 



