1004 DISEASES OF THE HOCK. 



effect of blisters is usually too superficial. To exert much influence 

 on adhesive processes, energetic, deep-seated inflammation must 

 be excited, and sublimate solution, arsenic, croton oil, &c, are there- 

 fore more successful than cantharides blisters, though they are very 

 liable to produce permanent blemishes ; good results following the 

 application of cantharides are usually due either to the rest given, 

 or to the case not being spavin. The success obtained in the army 

 by blisters may be similarly explained. To satisfy the owner Moller 

 has often tried blisters, but seldom with good results. They may 

 possibly be more active when subcutaneously employed, as recom- 

 mended by Buch and Bassi. Bassi makes two or three converging 

 incisions through the skin at the diseased spot, loosens the subcutis, 

 and fills the pockets thus formed with blister. 



Setons, formerly much used, are now seldom employed. They 

 are easily rubbed out by the opposite foot, and may leave conspicuous 

 scars. 



(2) The actual cautery. On account of the more intense and 

 penetrating inflammation produced, firing is more effective than 

 blistering, and (cwteris paribus) in direct proportion to the intensity 

 and extent of the irritation which it excites. It is of little importance 

 whether the firing be in lines or points ; the great thing is to set up 

 artificial inflammation in the depths. Many practitioners, therefore, 

 prefer to perforate the skin with a pear-shaped iron ; in France a 

 long point is preferred. In Germany, Gerlach tried the latter and 

 other methods, but renounced them on account of the risk of pro- 

 ducing fatal arthritis. Perforation of the skin and of the bursa 

 of the flexor metatarsi with the pyriform iron is usually harmless, 

 and is unquestionably amongst the most effective methods of dealing 

 with spavin. The point used in France is from § to | of an inch long, 

 and therefore seldom penetrates the joint, but when there is no 

 marked exostosis, such an accident is quite possible. In presence 

 of a large spavin, perforation is scarcely ever followed by bad results. 

 If the deposit be slight, the red-hot iron should be applied once to 

 the highest point of the swelling, and passed through the skin into 

 the bone by firm pressure. In dealing with large spavins, this may 

 be done at two or even three points. As a rule, a blister of sublimate 

 (1 to 6) may at once be applied. Sometimes the tendon sheath 

 of the flexor metatarsi becomes acutely inflamed, and severe lame- 

 ness lasting several days results. This need cause no alarm, for the 

 inflammation will pass away of itself. When the exostosis is small, 

 the use of the pointed iron is somewhat dangerous. 



The pointed cautery is unquestionably the best means of dealing 



