82 VETERINARY LECTURES 



bandage — until the inflammation is reduced ; then iodine or fly- 

 blisters must be used, but the best and most satisfactory treatment 

 for curb or curby hocks is to fire, in lines. I know of no complaint 

 except bone spavin (pars. 114 and 115) on which firing has such a 

 beneficial effect as curb. 



161. Sprung Hock. — This injury varies very much in degree; 

 in slight cases the ligaments only may be affected, but in more severe 

 injuries not only the ligaments, but the tendons and bones, are 

 implicated. Great pain is evinced, with high fever. Treatment. — 

 The patient should be supported by slings, and cold water irrigation 

 applied to the joint until the inflammation and pain subside. Hypo- 

 dermic injections of morphia near the joint have a soothing effect, 

 while the fever must also be combated (par. 38). 



162. Open Joint is an opening into a joint with the escape of 

 synovia or joint oil. All the joints are liable to be laid open from 

 kicks, probes, and other injuries. The joints most frequently 

 damaged in this manner are the knee, elbow, stifle, and hock. The 

 three latter are very formidable to deal with, and, owing to their 

 arrangement, are difficult to treat successfully. When a joint is 

 opened into, it should have immediate attention, or it may end in a 

 stiff joint, or caries of the bone, and even in the death of the animal. 

 As soon as it is ascertained that the discharge coming from the 

 wound is joint oil, entire rest must be given, and cold water irriga- 

 tion resorted to. The water must be kept running constantly over 

 the part for four or six days. I have on many occasions, with this 

 treatment alone, been successful in stopping synovia and healing the 

 joint. Next to this is the application of a good fly-blister, which has 

 generally the desired effect ; and to turn the animal on to the 

 grazing pasture. The blister causes the parts to swell, thus closing 

 up the opening in the joint and preventing the admission of atmo- 

 spheric air. Creosote, oil of cloves, or carbolic acid may also be 

 applied to the wound, if thought necessary. Lock-jaw occasionally 

 follows this injury. 



