lameness: its calses and tkeatment. 887 



well loinenttHl .several times a ilay, for from 1"» to :iO iuiiuile> each 

 time, a stronjjr decoction of marsh-mallow leaves liciii<; ailded to the 

 water, and after each application swathed with llaiintl handai^es 

 soalced in the same warm mixtuie. A few days of this treatment 

 will usually effect a resohitit)n of the inflamnuition : if not complete, 

 at least sutliciently so to disclose the correct outlines of the hygroma 

 and exhihit its iH'culiar and specific symptoms. The expediency <d' 

 its removal and the method of accomj)lishin^ it are then to he con- 

 sidered, with the question of opening it to give exit to its contents. 

 If the fluid is of a purulent character, the indication is in favor of 

 its immediate discharge. Xo time .should l)e lost, ami it should l»e 

 by means of a small opening made w ith a narrow bi.stoury. If, how- 

 ever, the fluid is a serosity, we prefer to remove it by punctures with 

 a very snudl trocar. Our reason for special caution in these cases is 

 our fear of the possibility of the existence of diseased conditions of 

 a severe character in the pseudo joint. For the same reason we 

 prefer the treatment of those growths by external ai)plications. In 

 the first stages of the disease a severe and stiff blister, such as the 

 cantharidate of collodium, entirely covering the cyst, j^erhaps not 

 yet completely formed, when the inllammation has subsided, will be 

 of great l)enefit by its stimulating effect, the absorption it may excite, 

 and the pre.ssure which, when dry. it will maintain upon the tumor. 

 If, however, the thickening of the growth fails to dimiiii.sh, it should 

 l)e treated with some of the iodin preparations in the form of oint- 

 ments, pure or in combination with potassium, mercury, etc., of 

 various strengths and in various i)roportions. My <)[)inion of setons 

 is not favorable, but the actual cautery, by deep and tine firing, in 

 points — needle cauterization — I believe to be the best mode of treat- 

 ment, and especially when ai)plied early. 



A very satisfactory way to treat these cases iij to burst the swelling 

 by pressure from without. A .strap or strong linen bandage is i)laced 

 aix>ut the hock, pre.ssing on the buisa, while the alfected leg is on 

 the ground, the other hind foot being lifted up. When the l)andage 

 is in place the leg should be released, and the hoi-.se will violentiv 

 flex the bandaged limb and produce pre.ssure on the bursa, with 

 oon.se<|uent bursting and discharging of its content.s. 



Whatever treatment may be adopted for capped hock, patiejice 

 mu.st be one of the ingredient.s. In these parts absorption is slow, 

 the skin is very thick, and its return to a .soft, j)liable, natural condi 

 tion, if effected at all, will take place only after w»'ek< added to other 

 weeks of medical treatment an<l patient waiting. 



INTERFERING, AND SPEEDY CUTS. 



The^e designations belong to certain special inji^.ries of the ex 

 tremities, produced by similar caust's, giving rise to kindred patho- 



