LAMENESS IN THE FORE LEG 105 



strict asepsis) and by means of bandages, a uniform degree of 

 pressure is kept over the parts for ten days or two weeks. The 

 patient is kept quiet and in the course of two weeks an active 

 blistering agent is employed over the region affected. Usually, 

 at the end of a month's time, complete recovery has taken place 

 and the subject may be gradually returned to work. 



When synovial distensions are of long standing, it is necessary 

 to take special precautions to cheek excessive secretion of synovial 

 fluid, and, also because of the atonic condition of the tissues 

 affected, resolution is tardy. In addition to aspirating synovia, 

 the introduction of equal parts of alcohol and tincture of iodin 

 into the theca is necessary. The quantity of this combination 

 injected, depends upon the size of the sheath affected and the 

 amount of synovia retained at the time injection is made. Ex- 

 perience is necessary to judge as to this part of the work, but 

 one may consider that a quantity between three and ten cubic 

 centimeters of equal parts of tincture of iodin and alcohol con- 

 stitutes the proper amount to employ. Where much synovia is 

 contained within the sheath at the time of injection, there occurs 

 great dilution of the agent injected and consequently less irri- 

 tation results. 



The object of such injections is to check synovial secretion, 

 and this is sought by the local effect of iodin in contact with the 

 secreting cells together with the reactionary swelling which oc- 

 casions pressure. An increase in the local blood supply also 

 follows. In all cases where it is possible to employ suitable 

 bandages, this should be done. The ordinary derby bandages 

 serve well and if their use is continued for a sufficient length of 

 time, good results follow. 



There are other methods of treating these affections, and each 

 has its advantages and disadvantages. Line-firing, instead of 

 the vesicant is made use of by some, but the object desired is 

 the same and results obtained are similar. 



Sheaths may be opened surgically by means of a knife, and 

 the removal of a portion of the wall of distended and atonic 

 tendon sheaths is possible. These operations belong to the realm 

 of surgery and are not properly a part of this treatise. However, 

 in passing, it may be said that if a perfect technic is possible in 



