FRACTURES AND DISLOCATIONS. 481 



THOROUGH-PIN 



Is the farriers' term for the bursal enlargement situated 

 in the upper and back part of the hock, beneath the ten- 

 dons of the great flexors of the foot ; and, as after some 

 time it necessarily shows itself on each side, so it is a 

 thorough-pin. From the peculiarity of situation it seldom 

 occasions lameness, unless it be very large. Continued 

 pressure is the only remedy. 



CAPPED HOCK. 



This arises from a swelling of the bursa mucosa, that 

 assists the motions of the point of the calcis under the skin. 

 It is very unsightly, and sometimes becomes of a great size, 

 particularly when it is occasioned by the practice of kicking ; 

 in which case not only is there an immense increase of the 

 secretion, but the integuments also thicken, and accumula- 

 tions take place about the capsule, which become of semi- 

 cartilaginous consistency. It has been punctured occa- 

 sionally with partial success, and the contents have been 

 drawn off by setons, but the inflammation raised has endan- 

 gered life ; it has also been opened, and its contents, which 

 in the enlarged state are partly fluid and partly semi-solid, 

 evacuated, but after-irritation has endangered life ; and no 

 great advantage has been gained, for the incision made 

 has united, and the sac has filled again. Hand -rubbing, 

 almost continuously applied, has done more good with 

 regard to diminishing the size, than all the puncturing, 

 blistering, and firing put together. The hand is also as- 

 sisted by an india rubber bandage made to fit the part, 

 and worn at such times as the friction is stayed. When, 

 however, opening the sac is insisted upon, it is best to 

 dissect away the lining membrane, or to destroy it by the 

 application of caustic. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



FRACTURES AND DISLOCATIONS. 



When any important bone is fractured in the horse, from 

 the trouble of managing him, the expenses attending his 



I i 



