480 BOG SPAVIN. 



two, three, or four yards long, according to the part affected : 

 four inches is a proper width, and, from its superior elasticity, 

 flannel is preferable to calico or linen. In addition to this, 

 be furnished with one or two pads, staffed with horse-hair 

 or other elastic matter. Begin to apply the roller, and after 

 having made a turn or two below the swelling, place the pad 

 exactly upon the windgall ; if in the pasterns, one should of 

 course be placed over each side : continue the roller firmly 

 and evenly over all, and fasten off. It however must not be 

 forgotten, that but little benefit can be expected unless this 

 be continued as a constant application for a considerable 

 time, during day and night, when not in exercise ; also, it 

 must be remembered, that upon a repetition of the original 

 cause {hard work), they are apt to return ; the dilated cap- 

 sule seldom regaining, with its original size, its original 

 strength. It may be necessary here to warn the practi- 

 tioner never to puncture a windgall. Most of those of great 

 bulk and long continuance actually communicate with the 

 cavity of the joints they surround ; and the others of them- 

 selves excite similar effects with open joints, when they are 

 laid open ; and even if no mischief followed, no good could 

 result ; the cyst would be only momentarily emptied ; for 

 its capacity would commonly remain the same, and would 

 almost immediately fill it up again. Such an operation is, 

 therefore, not only useless, but usually produces such in- 

 flammation as either destroys the horse, or ends in anchy- 

 losis of the joint. 



BOG SPAVIN. 



Blood spavin cannot exist without bog spavin, for it is 

 the swelling of bog spavin that causes the passage of blood 

 within the vein to be stopped ; but bog spavin can, and 

 most frequently does, exist alone. This disease is synovitis, 

 or inflammation of the great synovial capsule of the hock, 

 i. e. that between the astragalus and tibia. The only mea- 

 sure which can benefit this disease is an india rubber 

 bandage, so formed as to allow the top of the calcis to 

 protrude, which will aid the elasticity ; besides, the bandage 

 would answer no further purpose so far as bog spavin is 

 concerned, if the point of the hock were included. 



