90 AMERICAN FARMER'S HORSE BOOK 



good the wear and tear which the joint, from its severe labor, 

 is continually undergoing. 



. The primary cause of spavin is generally a blow, a strain, 

 or some similar injury. From this results a feverish and un- 

 healthy condition of the synovial membrane, so that its se- 

 cretion changes into a thick, purulent matter, which !N"ature, 

 true to herself, makes a determined efibrt to discharge. But 

 the membrane is so tough and powerful that no outlet can 

 be forced through it. The fluid settles down into the spongy 

 bone below, and a diseased growth of the bone follows, form- 

 ing a lump, or bunch, on the head of the inner splint bone. 

 Subsequently, the weight and concussion thrown upon the 

 parts, while in active motion, assist in extending the inflam- 

 mation to all the cartilages incasing the joint. 



When only the splint-bone is affected, as is fortunately the 

 case in most instances, the knob, or bunch, is seldom very 

 large, and often admits of a cure. Sometimes, however, the 

 cube-bone, just above, becomes affected also, and bony adhe- 

 sions are formed between it and the splint-bone, just below. 

 The joint then grows out of all shape, and the animal's lame- 

 ness is pitiable to behold. For such a case there is no cure. 

 Medicines can not even effect any permanent improvement. 

 The horse is ruined. 



TREATMENT. 



As for all affections of this class, the corrosive liniment is 

 the best remedy. It should be applied to the parts in the 

 manner directed for big head. After using it daily for four 

 or five days, let it be omitted for the same length of time, 

 and then applied again. This treatment must be continued 

 as long as may be necessary — a circumstance which will de- 

 pend greatly upon such conditions as how long the swelling 

 has been coming on, how large the bunch has become, and 

 the degree of lameness. If the cube-bone is involved, it will 

 be time thrown away to attempt any treatment. The best 

 thing which can be done, will be to philosophically " accept 

 the situation," and give up the case as hopeless. 



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