LEGS OF THE HORSE, THEIR ACCIDENTS AND DISEASES. 319 



times, but it is accepted as a fact, by most surgeons, that when the 

 articular ends of the bones are ulcerated there will be permanent lameness. 



Apply the blister, No. 9, well rubbed in with the hand, immediately 

 after firing. Some operators delay the blister till next day, but it is 

 preferable to rub it in before the leg gets sore and swollen from the 

 firing. Tie up the horse's head for twelve hours to prevent him biting 

 it. After twelve hours, grease over, and repeat the application once a 

 day till pus begins to form under the scabs ; then wash it once a day 

 with warm water and soap to prevent blemishing by the pus burrowing 

 under the scabs. When dry, rub the grease in. Give him absolute rest 

 in the stable for four weeks ; then give him a three or four months' run at 

 grass ; and when beginning to work again, let it be gently for some time. 

 While this treatment is going on, it is advisable to have a high-heeled 

 shoe on the foot of the lame leg ; let it be raised an inch. When shoe- 

 ing, after he is well, continue the high calks for a month or two. 



There are numerous patented spavin cures in the market, some of 

 which have more or less merit ; but ais a rule, the above is the only relia- 

 ble treatment. Some of the nostrums claim to be able to cure a spavin 

 in twenty-four hours without breaking the skin, but they are humbugs of 

 the worst kind. Sometimes very strong corrosive blisters are recom- 

 mended, such as corrosive sublimate, etc., but they are cruel in the 

 extreme and not as likely to cure as the treatment laid out above, which, 

 being the most humane, although pretty severe, is the best to pursue. 

 When firing, it is advisable to cast the horse to keep control of him and 

 be able to perrorm a better operation, and the hair should be shaved off. 



II. Bog Spavin. 



This is the name given to an enlargement of the hock by distension of 

 the synovial bursa. The synovial membrane of the joint becomes in- 

 flamed and secretes a superabundant amount of joint oil which distends 

 the membrane and enlarges the joint sometimes to the size of a child's 

 head. It can be alleviated by good treatment, but when once well-dis- 

 tended it can seldom be radically cured, and very many unfortunate 

 animals carry the big joint with them to the bone yard. 



Causes. — It is caused by severe sprain of the joint, the inflammation 

 extending to the synovial membrane, and sometimes even 

 to the joint. Sometimes the origin of it lies in the joint itself 

 from severe bruising by concussion when jumping, kicking or 

 being kicked. It is also caused by wounds fr^m being stabbed 

 with the fork by reckless grooms, or pricks from nails in 

 the stall, when a restless horse demolishes it by kicking. „^^^ ,^^^^^ 



^-^ HUCK. JOINT. 



How to know it.— There will be a large, soft swelling showing the en. 

 on the inner and front aspect of the hock. The swelling Bo|TpTvin.°' 

 is of the same character as wind galLi * it seems to be filled with air, but 



