HIP-JOINT (or round-bone) lamemkss. 227 



mortem examination disclosed a very large collection of pus in and 

 around the hip-joint, extending as high as the sacro-sciatic liga- 

 ment. The round ligament was ulcerated through its attachments, 

 the cartilage lining the acetabulum and clothing the head of the 

 femur absorbed, and the matter had made its way through the 

 capsular ligament, which accounted for the peculiar sensation and 

 sound afforded by progression. It seemed remarkable, the pus 

 had not made its way to the surface. 



The Treatment of Hip- joint Lameness may turn out 

 either a very trivial or a very formidable affair. Occurring, as it 

 usually does, from injury of some sort, continual fomentation of the 

 quarter, repose, and brisk cathartic medicine, will very commonly, 

 give sufficient time, accomplish the cure. And the most effectual 

 fomentation for such a part as the hip is a continual succession of 

 woollen cloths, soaked in water as hot as the hand can be borne in 

 it. A large covering of spongio-piline, with another soaking in the 

 hot water ready to succeed it, would prove most effective. The 

 fomentations may be followed by refrigerent or discutient lotions; 

 though from the latter not much benefit need be expected. Any 

 effective treatment, with a view of discussing or counteracting 

 inflammatory action, must now consist in counter-irritation — in 

 blisters or setons, or a rowel in the thigh, than which, Mr. Mayer's 

 practice has taught him, nothing in such cases proves more bene- 

 ficial. Although it may be proper to keep the lame animal for a 

 time tied up in his stall with two ropes, so that he cannot lie down, 

 when the inflammatory action comes to be on the decline a 

 loose box is certainly the preferable apartment for our patient, and 

 in some cases, especially during convalescence, a little walking 

 exercise is recommendable. 



Professor de Nanzio, of the Naples veterinary school, who 

 paid a visit to this country in 1837, left us what, perhaps, may be 

 regarded as some valuable observations so far as they have refer- 

 ence to chronic or obstinate cases of hip lameness; but which in- 

 volve an operation that nobody would think of subjecting a horse 

 to for ordinary or recent lameness of the kind. " Many remedies," 

 says the Professor, in his paper published in The Veterinarian 

 for 1837 (vol. x.) " have been employed for the cure of this species 



