DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 95 



inflammation of the cartilage of the joint in the first instance 

 and extending to ulceration of the bone, consequently bony matter 

 is thrown out, uniting more or less of the hock and excess of matter 

 and ulceration of the bones from the enlargement. 



The causes of Spavin, though numerous, are traceable principally 

 to sprains, blows and hard work, or any cause exciting inflammation 

 of this part. 



Bone Spavin. 

 At the beginning the symptoms are treacherous. 



Horses are often treated for hip lameness before any enlargement 

 makes its appearance. 



The horse, while laboring under acute inflammation of the hock 

 joint, is at first very lame. 



Generally, the tumor makes its appearance from the fifth to the 

 eighth week. At times, the lameness is gradual — hardly perceptible 

 at first — becoming worse until there is a decided lameness at starting, 

 which will in a short time wear off as the horse becomes warmed 

 up. 



There are various remedies and applications. Some men pretend 

 to remove spavins. The skillful practitioner knows better. It will 



