BOO SPAVIN. 



991 



out with 1 in 1,000 sublimate solution, and the application of a blister 

 was recommended by Zimmer in 1890. Deans has practised the above 

 operation (evacuation and injection) and claims to have had consider- 

 able success. It probably constitutes the most hopeful method of deal- 

 ing with this condition, but demands careful antiseptic precautions. 



Horn draws off the contents with a trocar, and applies, in place of a 

 pressure bandage, a thick layer of glue, in which finely chopped tow is 

 mixed to increase its strength. Incising the swelling is not unattended 

 by danger, even where full antiseptic precautions are taken, because 

 the animal sometimes rubs off the dressing. Proceeding with full 



Fro. 534. — Spavin formation on left 

 hock (seen from in front). 



Fig. 535. — Spavin formation on right hock 

 (seen from behind). A, Spavin. 



antiseptic precautions, Qualitz, in one case, removed a lozenge- 

 shaped fragment of skin and synovial membrane about 1| inch 

 wide from the outer surface of the hock, and by suturing the parts, 

 irrigating with an antiseptic solution, and covering the wound with 

 a surgical dressing, was able to secure healing in a fortnight. This 

 success, however, must be regarded as exceptional, and should not 

 encourage one hastily to attempt its repetition. Acupuncture has 

 been recommended by Gloag and others. The swelling is perforated 

 on either side to a depth of fth of an inch by an apparatus composed 

 of four needles thrust into a cork, when the fluid-contents escape. 

 In five days the operation is repeated, iodine ointment rubbed in, 

 an elastic bandage applied over all, and left in position for twenty- 

 four hours. 



Treatment of acute synovitis of the hock-joint is never very 



