364 BUKEAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. 



fomentations, .soothinj^ applications, and astringent and resolvent mix- 

 tures, in a majority of cases, is the first that occurs all through the list. 

 If the swelling- assumes the character of a serous collection, pressure, 

 cold water, and bandages will contribute to its removal. If suppura- 

 tion seems to be established, and the swelling assumes the character 

 of a developing abscess, the hot poultices of flaxseed or of boiled 

 vegetables and the embrocations of sedative ointments, those of 

 basilicon, or vaseline, impregnated with preparations of opium or 

 belladonna — all these recommend themselves b}^ their general adap- 

 tation and the beneficial results which have followed their admin- 

 istration, not less in one case than in another. When an abscess has 

 formed and is fluctuating, it should be carefullj^ but tuWy opened to 

 evacuate the pus. If it is a serous cyst, some care is necessarj^ in 

 emptying it, and the possibilitj' of the extension of the inflammation 

 to the joint must be taken into consideration. When the cavities have 

 been emptied and have closed by filling up with granulations, or if, not 

 being opened, the contents have been reabsorbed, and there remains 

 in either case a plastic exudation and a tendency to the callous organi- 

 ;5ation that may yet exist, blisters under their various forms, including 

 those of cantharides, of mercur}^, and of iodine are then indicated, 

 principalh" in the early stages, as it is then that their effects wnll prove 

 most satisfactory. The use of the actual cauter}^, with fine points, 

 penetrating deeph^ throughout the enlargement, has in our hands, 

 when employed in the very earl}^ stages of its formation, nearly 

 always brought on a radical recover}^ with complete absorption of the 

 thickening. 



8TKIXGIIALT. 



This is an involuntar}^ movement of one or both hind legs, in which 

 the foot is suddenly and spasmodically lifted from the ground much 

 higher than it is normally carried, with excessi^'c flexion of one bone 

 upon the other. This peculiarity is usuallj^ prominent, although it 

 ma}^ disappear with work, only to reappear after a short rest. Some- 

 times it is most apparent at a trot, sometimes at a walk, and other 

 times only when turned around; or it may not be affected bj' the gait 

 of the horse. It does not seem to be influenced by the horse's age, 

 3'oung and old being alike affected. Its first manifestations are some- 

 times very slight. It has been noticed as occurring to an aninal when 

 backing out of his stalde and ceasing immediately after. In some 

 animals it is best seen when the animal is turning around on the 

 affected leg, and it is not noticed when he moves straight forward. 

 That this peculiar action interferes with facility of locomotion and 

 detracts from a horse's claim to soundness can not for a moment be 

 denied. 



Cause. — Veterinarians and pathologists arc 3'ct in doul)t in respect to 



