CAPPED HOCKS. 131 



with thoroughpin, still a purchaser, when he notices these, 

 should otherwise examine the horse with care, to discover, if 

 possible, that they have not been induced by previous hard 

 work, which will sooner or later tell on the animal. 



Treatment. — The same remedies as recommended in 

 wind-galls are applicable to this complaint. But there is 

 no certain cure, and hard work is almost certain to make 

 them re-appear. 



CAPPED HOCKS. 



Capped hocks consists of a swelling on the very point of 

 the hock-joint (see plate 8, fig. 4, a.) The tumour is soft 

 and fluctuating, caused by an enlargement of one of the 

 mucus bags described in wind-galls and thoroughpin. Lame- 

 ness seldom accompanies capped hock, but nevertheless 

 it is an awkward complaint, particularly in draught-horses, 

 in consequence of this part being very liable to come in 

 contact with the bar of a gig or carriage ; and by causing 

 pain to the animal, induces him to kick, and, if a high- 

 tempered horse, often causes much mischief. It is generally 

 produced by blows of some kind ; but in many instances the 

 injury is inflicted by the horse himself in kicking, and that 

 when the animal is in harness, although some are in the 

 habit of kicking while in the stall. It also occurs some- 

 times by the bedding of the horse being too thin, and the 

 hock may be bruised in consequence, and it may besides 

 proceed from a sprain of the hock-joint. 



Treatment. — Blisters are the only means that can be 

 employed with the hopes of removing the swelling, and it 

 often happens that these must be frequently repeated before 

 a cure can be effected. Sometimes the swelling disappears 

 without any other means than rest being employed. But 

 often capped hock becomes of a very large size, and callous 



