266 THE HOUSE BOOK. 



back of the coffin or pedal bone. Inflammation 

 having been set up within the foot, the surface 

 of the sesamoid bone puts forth small projec- 

 tions and the tendon playing over these, instead 

 of over a perfectly plain surface, creates in- 

 tense pain and general inflammation of the 

 structures within the hoof. There is no cure. 

 Relief may only be obtained by the operation 

 of neurectomy, which consists in the section of 

 the nerve which insures sensation in the part 

 of the foot affected. 



Bog spavins have nothing to do with the bone 

 at all. They are situated on the inside of the 

 hock and take the form of soft puffs. They 

 are caused by the undue secretion of synovia 

 or joint-oil, which distends the bursa or sac 

 where it is stored and so the puff becomes vis- 

 ible. Many horses display very large bog spav- 

 ins and at moderate work never go lame, while 

 at hard work axmte lameness frequently ensues. 

 There is little to be gained by blistering these 

 enlargements, but a skillful veterinary surgeon 

 may get rid of both them and the lameness by 

 a delicate operation with the firing iron. 

 Thoroughpins partake largely of the same na- 

 ture as bog spavins. They are distensions ap- 

 pearing at the back of the hock, well up toward 

 the top of that joint. The fluid may be pressed 

 from one side of the joint to the other. They 

 seldom give much trouble and are best let alone. 

 Splints are bony growths found just below the 



