146 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 



may be felt on manipulation, and the swelling bulges laterally on either 

 edge. Occasionally the swelling is due to a thickening of the tendon 

 itself, and this is distinguished by its hardness. 



Recent swellings are hot and painful to the touch, whilst when the 

 condition becomes chronic there is usually no evidence of pain and the 

 part is colder and harder. 



Little inconvenience is experienced by the animal when the condi- 

 tion is confined to the subcutaneous bursa, and there is no sign of 

 lameness. Frequently, also, such is the case in regard to the bursa 

 beneath the tendon. Occasionally, however, we have septic infection 

 of this bursa, which is attended by serious consequences, the cartilage on 

 the summit of the tuber becoming eroded and the deep face of the 

 tendon roughened, with the result that the animal suffers great pain 

 during the movements of the tendon on the bone. 



Recent cases should be treated with cold applications, followed 

 by pressure caps or bandages. The entire removal of the swelling, 

 however, is a matter of great difficulty. Removal of the contents 

 is quickly followed by their reappearance. Good results have been 

 claimed for a method of treating enlargement of the subcutaneous 

 bursa by causing a rupture of its walls. The opposite foot is taken up 

 and a tight bandage applied to the affected hock. When the other foot 

 is released the animal, during its attempts to flex the bandaged hock, 

 ruptures the walls of the bursa, and its contents are then discharged. 

 Other operators have removed the bursa. Lanzillotti performed this 

 operation by making a curved incision on the outer side of the swelling, 

 through which the sac was removed by dissection. 



When the tendon or cartilage-covered surface of the bone is affected 

 little can be done. 



Although the treatment of capped hock, so far as its complete 

 removal is concerned, is by no means successful, it is satisfactory to know 

 that the affection as a rule is not serious, and that the animal is capable 

 of performing its work without inconvenience. 



