DISEASES OF HORSES. 717 



horse, it is best to reduce his weight by limiting the food; 

 bathe well with cold water for two or three hours, and then ban- 

 dage the joint, leaving the point of the hock free, or use a bog- 

 spavin truss, and apply a high-heeled shoe. If it has been 

 present for some time, the same treatment may be tried, but in 

 addition thereto a cantharides blister may be used occasionally. 

 (See index.) A bog spavin should not be cut open. 



Blood Spavin. Is an enlargement or rupture of the 

 vein vena saphena which passes directly over the seat of a 

 bog spavin. 



TREATMENT. Consists in applying continued pressure to the 

 part by means of a bandage or a truss. 



Thoroughpin. This is a puffy tumor on the lower, back 

 part of the thigh, just above the hock-joint ; it can be pushed 

 through from side to side. 



CAUSES. Over-exertion or some irritation caused by a bog 

 spavin may cause a thoroughpin, but a thoroughpin can not 

 cause a bog spavin. 



TREATMENT. Rest the animal, and apply cold water to the 

 joint for a few days ; and then use a bandage in such a way as 

 to press upon the enlargement; or use a thoroughpin truss, apply 

 a high-heeled shoe, and apply the iodine ointment (see index), 

 and an occasional blister of cantharides. (See index.) 



Curb Is an enlargement, on the back part of the hind-leg, 

 just below the hock joint. 



CAUSES. Sprain or rupture of the calcaneo-cuboid ligament ; 

 hard or fast work ; working in deep snow or deep mud ; forcibly 

 backing a heavy load ; rearing ; jumping, or any thing which 

 brings a strain upon the part. 



SYMPTOMS. An enlargement which is easily seen from the 

 side of the animal. Curb usually causes lameness, but the 

 lameness will get well itself if rest is given. It seldom occurs 

 in old animals. The enlargement at first is very hot and painful. 

 It takes a long time for complete recovery, and treatment is of 

 little use. 



TREATMENT. Give rest, and if there is pain and heat in the 

 part, bathe with warm water, in which, for each pint of water, 



