[LAMENESS IN THE HIND LEG 245 



will indicate. From two to five cubic centimeters of U. S. P. 

 tincture of iodin is injected through the aspirating needle into 

 the synovial cavity of the joint, and the exterior of the parts are 

 vigorously massaged immediately after injection to stimulate 

 distribution of the iodin throughout the synovial cavity. "Where 

 a bilateral affection exists, two or three weeks' time should inter- 

 vene between the treatments of each leg. A sterile metal syringe 

 equipped with a slip joint for the needle is well adapted to this 

 operation. Lubrication of the plunger with heavy sterile vaseline 

 or glycerin will prevent the syringe from being ruined by the 

 iodin. 



Following the injection, the subject is kept in a stall or in 

 a suitable paddock, so that conditions may be observed for four 

 or five days. The object sought by the introduction of iodin 

 is not only for a local effect upon the synovial membranes in 

 checking secretions, but the production of an active inflamma- 

 tion and great swelling, which will remain from four weeks 

 to three months subsequent to the injection. This periarticular 

 swelling should produce and maintain a constant pressure over 

 the entire affected parts for a sufficient length of time until nor- 

 mal tone is re-established. 



In some cases, swelling does not develop as the result of a 

 single injection of iodin. When marked swelling has not taken 

 place within five days, none will occur and a repetition of the 

 injection may be made within ten days after the first treatment 

 has been given. One may safely increase the amount of iodin 

 at the second injection in such cases by one-fourth to one-third. 

 In Europe this method of treating bog spavin has been em- 

 ployed by Leblanc, Abadie, Dupont and others according to 

 Cadiot; but Bouley, Key, Lafosse and Varrier used it with bad 

 results. Where a perfect technic is executed (and no other is 

 excusable in this operation), no infection will occur if a reason- 

 able amount of iodin is injected. The dilution of iodin with an 

 equal amount of alcohol has been practised by the author in 

 many cases, but later this was found unnecessary. 



Other methods of treatment have been used with success. Per- 

 haps the most heroic consists in opening the joint capsule with a 



