302 



BONE SPAVIN. 



THE HIOH-BRED PACING MARE POCAHONTAS. 



lished, cannot, because the elasticity, mobility, and function 

 of the joint are all destroyed in proportion to the extent of 

 the disease. The spavined animal, therefore, comes down with 

 a hard, jarring tread. The removal of the lameness depends 

 upon perfect union or solidifying of the diseased bones. In 

 the acute inflammatory cases, nature 

 herself unaided 

 works this change, 

 and the animal re- 

 covers from the 

 lameness with a 

 stiff joint ; but in 

 the second, or ul- 

 cerative stage, assistance is required. We, therefore, en- 

 deavor to excite an active inflammation in the joint in order 

 to overcome this ulcerative process, and induce new deposits 

 of bone to be thrown out. Many modes have been adopted to 

 secure the desired end, some of which are of a most barbarous 

 character. Sharp instruments have been struck with con- 

 siderable force into the joint, creating a tremendous fire, 

 which soon checks the ulceration. This practice, although 

 often successful, is unnecessarily severe, and cruel in the ex- 

 treme. AIL kinds of caustic applications have been used, 

 many of which have destroyed both the disease and the animal. 

 Blistering the parts, the action being kept up for three or four 

 weeks, often proves successful ; firing is also practised ; setons 

 in the hock are frequently used with advantage. The follow- 

 ing ointment is recommended ; bin-iodide of mercury, one 

 drachm ; lard, two ounces ; mix well together. Shave off the 



