Hygroma of the stifle. 67 



HYGROMA OF THE HAUNCH. 



With the exception of hygroma of the knee, hygromas are commoner 

 on hind than on front Hmbs. That of the haunch is Hmited to the 

 external angle of the ilium. It follows violent falls or collisions with 

 door posts, and results from laceration of the layers of subcutaneous 

 connective tissue and separation of the skin from subjacent parts. 



The effusion is often of a sero-sanguinolent character. It is more 

 frequent in animals occupying narrow or irregularly shajDed stalls, the 

 hygroma being developed through repeated collision of the angle of the 

 haunch with the wall. Finally, it may follow prolonged decubitus. 



Diagnosis is easy, but the prognosis has a certain element of gravity, 

 because, should suppuration occur, it may be succeeded by necrosis of 

 the aponeurosis inserted into the external angle of the ilium. 



Treatment should first be directed to removing the cause. Of the 

 various modes of intervention, the best probably consists in disinfecting 

 the parts, puncturing the swelling, and injecting some irritant of an 

 antiseptic character, or simply washing out the cavity. Iodine and 

 carbolic solutions are most commonly employed. Firing is contra- 

 indicated. 



HYGROMA OF THE TROCHANTER OF THE FEMUR. 



This condition is rare, except in thin milch cows kept under bad 

 hygienic conditions and insufficiently supplied with bedding. Continual 

 bruising of the prominences of the quarters whilst the animal is lying 

 is the usual cause. 



This hygroma forms a hemispherical swelling covering the trochanteric 

 prominence. Movement is interfered with, and the stride is shortened. 



The condition can only be confused with the diffuse swellings due to 

 periarthritis in the coxo-femoral region, which frequently occur in cows 

 suffering from infectious pseudo-rheumatism. 



The prognosis is somewhat grave, for in case of suppuration the 

 insertions of tendons and fascia into the summit of the trochanter may 

 become necrotic. 



Treatment. The first point is to supply the animal with ample clean 

 bedding. The swelling may be repeatedly blistered. If considered neces- 

 sary, a puncture may be made under antiseptic precautions, the fluid drawn 

 oft', and the cavity washed out ; but it is better to avoid opening the parts 

 with a bistoury, on account of the danger of suppuration and of necrosis 

 of the tendons and aponeurotic tissues in the neighbourhood. 



HYGROMA OF THE STIFLE. 



Hygroma of the stifle or of the patella appears under the skin, outside 

 the external ligament of the femoro-tibial articulation. It usually follows 



F 2 



