REMEDIES FOR SPAVIN. 91 



an inch, more or less, in depth, according to the prominence of the 

 tumour, into the exostosis, and fill these perforations with a paste 

 composed of white arsenic and flour. In due time deep sloughs 

 will separate, bringing away the substance of the exostosis, and 

 curing probably the lameness, but leaving a wound to granulate 

 and cicatrize, ending with enlargement of the hock, both general 

 and permanent. 



Periosteotomy, as proposed by Mr. Sewell, the present 

 Professor at the Royal Veterinary College — in imitation of the 

 operation surgeons were in the habit of practising for the mitiga- 

 tion or removal of the pain caused by nodes — constitutes the neatest 

 and most scientific operation for the cure or relief of the lameness 

 arising from exostosis. The theory being, that in splents, &c., as 

 in nodes, the pain arose from the tension produced in the peri- 

 osteum by the pressure of the tumour growing underneath it, 

 division of the periosteal membrane, by slitting it or otherwise, 

 appeared all that was required for the relief of the lameness. 

 Impressed with these notions, and sanguine in so simple a method 

 of cure, Mr. Sewell, in the year 1835, made known to the pro- 

 fession his " New Operation for Curing Lameness in the Horse, 

 generally caused by Contusions which occasion Periosteal and 

 Ossific Diseases," in a printed circular, from which I take this 

 introductory sentence, and am now about to make some further 

 extracts*. Condemning " the old practice of firing, applying 

 caustics, puncturing, bruising, blistering, or other stimulants," as 

 inefficacious, Mr. Sewell (in the circular) informs us that he had 

 *' for several years employed setojis beneficially ;" " but now," he 

 adds, '' I invariably adopt the new plan." " In chronic cases, 

 previous preparation is seldom necessary, beyond keeping the 

 parts for a short time wet with cold water ; but when the inflam- 

 mation is acute, attended with swelling, and a tense adhesion 

 of the skin, these symptoms should be first allayed by topical 



* A copy of the circular, I believe, was sent to every member of the pro- 

 fession. It being, however, now eleven years since, it is possible many may 

 have lost or mislaid their letters, and probable, that many veterinarians who 

 have graduated within that period have never seen the circular ; and there- 

 fore it is that I make my extracts from it full and sufficient in this place. 



