182 NON-SPECIFIC OR GENERAL DISEASES 



The treatment is directed at the removal of the lameness. 

 Acute inflammation resulting from spavin may be relieved by 

 cold applications and rest. Chronic lameness should be given 

 the same treatment as recommended for bone spavin. The 

 enlargement can be successfully removed in growing colts by 

 the repeated apiDlication of mild blisters. It may be necessary 

 to continue the treatment for several months. The removal 

 of the enlargement in adult horses by an operation is recom- 

 mended. The greatest caution is required in performing this 

 operation. 



Capped Hock. — All swellings on the point of the hock are 

 termed "capped hock" (Fig. 47). The swellings may be due to 

 an injury to the skin and the subcutaneous tissue, or more 

 important structures may be involved, as the subcutaneous bursa, 

 the tendon, or the synovial bursa or sack. 



Capped hock is caused by the animal kicking in the stall 

 or in harness, shipping in freight cars and lack of bedding in the 

 stall. Unless the deeper structures are bruised and inflamed the 

 animal shows no lameness. 



The character of the enlargement varies. When the injury 

 is superficial, the swelling feels firm, or pits on pressure. Later 

 it may become more firm and feel like a loose, thickened, fibrous 

 cap for the hock. Soft, fluctuating swellings are due to an 

 inflammation of the bursa. Recent injuries feel hot. 



The preventive treatment consists in hobbling the hind limbs 

 of a horse that kicks in the stable. This is usually necessary only 

 at night. It may be advisable to pad certain parts of the stall. 

 Horses that are transported in cars should be protected against 

 injuries during transit by the use of proper care and such 

 arrangement of the animals in the car as may expose them to the 

 least injury. Recent injuries should be treated by the applica- 

 tion of cold and rest. 



After the inflammation has subsided tincture of iodine or 

 blisters may be applied. The treatment of bursal enlargements 



