107 



as is commonly the case in inflammatory disorders 

 of the bones, a deposit of ossified matter is formed, 

 and an anchylosis, or permanent rigidity of the 

 [joint, ensues. The same gentleman to whom I 

 have referred at page 100, has expressed to me his 

 dissent from this explanation. I have such a high 

 opinion of his practical know^ledge, as a veteran 

 sportsman, that I think myself bound in candour 

 |to mention this; but till I receive some more 

 scientific explanation, I feel compelled to adhere 

 to my own. If^ in the inflammatory stage, the 

 usual antiphlogistic remedies are administered, the 

 disease may be checked ; but till the spavin is 

 actually produced, and its presence detected by 

 outward symptoms, the horse is rarely put under 

 veterinary care, for the very reason I have given — ■ 

 that so few people attach importance to casual 

 lameness behind. 



My business, however, is not to write a treatise 

 on farriery, but to caution purchasers ; and I must 

 return to it. The presence of a spavin is detected 

 at once in its advanced state by the stiffness of the 

 joint, and the lameness of the horse, especially at 

 starting ; of course, therefore, a customer is never 

 introduced to a decided spavin; but even in its 

 incipient state, it may be discovered by the en- 

 largement of the joint. If the purchaser places 



