242 LAMENESS OB" THE HORSE 



jeet was a nervous and restless but well-formed seven-year-old 

 gelding. Recovery was not complete; recurrent intervals of 

 lameness marked this case, but the horse limped so slightly that 

 the average observer could not detect its existence after the ani- 

 mal had been driven a little way. 



Cunean tenotomy has been advocated and practiced by Abild- 

 gaard, Lafosse, Peters, Herring, Zuill and others and good re- 

 sults have followed in many cases so treated. 



Considering results, the employment of chemicals of various 

 kinds for the purpose of relieving spavin lameness does not com- 

 pare favorably with firing. IMoreover, so many animals have 

 been tortured and needlessly blemished in the attempted cure 

 of spavin that agents which are not of known value, the use of 

 which are likely to result in extensive injury to the tissues, are 

 only to be condemned. 



When spavin is bilateral and lameness is likewise affecting 

 both members, prognosis is at once unfavorable. Such cases are 

 often benefited by cauterization but only one leg at a time should 

 be treated. 



Bossi's double tarsal neurectomy (division of the anterior and 

 posterior tibial nerves) has undoubtedly been of decided benefit 

 in many cases, but is not at present a popular method of treat- 

 ment in this country. This operation has its indications, how- 

 ever, and may be recommended in chronic lameness where no 

 extensive exostosis exists which may mechanically interfere with 

 function. 



Distension of the Tarsal Joint Capsule. (Bog Spavin.) 



Distension of the capsular ligament of the tibial tarsal (tibio- 

 astragular) joint with synovia is commonly known as bog spavin. 

 This condition is separate and distinct fiom that of distension 

 of the sheath of the deep flexor tendon (j^erforans) though not 

 infrequently the two affections coexist. 



Etiolog'y and Occurrence. — Following strains from work in 

 the harness or under the saddle, horses develop an acute syno- 

 vitis of the hock joint, which often results in chronic synovial 

 distension. Debilitating diseases favor the production of this 



