DISEASES OF THE HOSSE. 295 



he resumes his work soon after he steps much on his toe, as in the 

 first variety. 



As with sidebones, though for a somewhat different reason, the 

 dimensions of the spavin and the degree of the lameness do not seem 

 to bear any determinate relation, the most pronounced symptoms at 

 times accompanying a very diminutive growth. But the distinction 

 between the two varieties of cool and warm may easily be determined 

 b}'^ remembering the fact that in a majorit}^ of cases the first, or cool, 

 is due to a simple exostosis, while the second is generally connected 

 with disease of the articulation, such as ulceration of the articular 

 surface — a condition which, as we proceed further_j will meet our 

 attention when we reach the subject of stringhalt. 



An excellent test for sj^avin lameness, which raaj^ be readily applied, 

 consists in lifting the affected leg off the ground for one or two min- 

 utes and holding the foot high so as to flex all the joints. An assist- 

 ant, with the halter strap in his hand, quickl}' starts the animal off in 

 a trot, when, if the hock joint is affected, the lameness will be so 

 greatly intensified as to readily lead to a diagnosis. 



Prognosis. — Having thus full}' considered the historj- of bone spavin, 

 we are prepared to give due weight to the reasons which exist for the 

 adverse prognosis which we must usually feel compelled to pronounce 

 when encountering it in practice, as well as to realize the importance 

 of early discovery. It is but seldom, however, that the necessary 

 advantage of this early knowledge can be secured, and when the true 

 nature of the trouble has become apparent it is usually too late to 

 resort to the remedial measures which, if duly forewarned, a skillful 

 practitioner might have emploj^ed. We are fully persuaded that but 

 for the loss of the time wasted in the treatment of purely imaginary 

 ailments very many cases of bone spavin might be arrested in their 

 incipiency and their victims preserved for years of comfort for them- 

 selves and valuable labor to their owners. 



Treatment. — To consider a hypothetical case: An earl}- discovery of 

 lameness has been made; that is, the existence of an acute inflamma- 

 tion — of periostitis— has been detected. The increased temperature 

 of the parts has been observed, with the stiffened gait and the charac- 

 teristic pose of the limb, and the question is proposed for solution. 

 What is to be done? Even with only these comparatively doubtful 

 S5"mptoms — doubtful with the nonexpert — we should direct our treat- 

 ment to the hock in preference to any other joint, since of all the 

 joints of the hind leg it is this which is most liable to be attacked, a 

 natural result from its peculiarities of structure and function. And in 

 answer to the query. What is the first treatment indicated? we 

 should answer rest — emphaticall}', and as an essential condition, 7'est. 

 Whether only threatened, suspected, or positively diseased, the ani- 

 mal must be wholly released from labor, and it must be no partial or 



