184 NON-SPECIFIC OR GENERAL DISEASES 



Faulty conformation is a predisposing cause. A narrow 

 base weakens the hock at this point, and the extreme length of the 

 bone that forms its summit gives the powerful muscles attached to 

 it greater leverage than in a well-conformed hock. This results 

 in strain to the ligament at the posterior portion of the region. 



The exciting causes are strains resulting from jumping, 

 slipping, rearing, heavy pulling and bruising of the part. 



In examining the hock for curb it is necessary to stand to 

 the side and note the profile of the posterior border. Excessive 

 development of the head of the external splint bone should not 

 be mistaken for curb. As viewed from the side, the posterior 

 border of the hock should appear straight. 



The curb appears as a swelling on this straight line. It varies 

 in size. A recent curb is usually hot and firm, or may feel soft if 

 enlargement is formed by fluid, hard if formed by bone. Lame- 

 ness seldom occurs, but if present, resembles spavin lameness. 



The preventive treatment consists in selecting for breeding, 

 animals that have strong, straight hocks, and using the necessary 

 care in handling and working horses. It is not uncommon for 

 young horses at the time they are broken to harness to develop 

 a curb. This may be prevented to a large degree by careful 

 handling. At the beginning of the inflammation the application 

 of cold and hand rubbing is indicated. After the inflammation 

 has subsided tincture of iodine or blisters should be applied. 

 Kest is a necessary part of the treatment early in the inflamma- 

 tion. If the lameness does not respond to the above treatment, 

 it should be treated the same as for bone spavin. 



QUESTIONS 



1. Describe the different fractures of the ileum and give treatment. 



2. Describe string-bait lameness and give treatment. 



3. Wbat is bone spavin? Describe spavin lameness. 



4. Give the causes and treatment of bog spavin. 



5. Give the causes and treatment of capped hock. 



6. Give the causes and treatment of curb. 



