250 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



rection of the condition — distended tarsal sheath — merit careful 

 consideration. AVhile drainage of distended thecae and bursae 

 by means of openings made with hot irons was practiced by the 

 Arabs, centuries ago, and good results have attended such heroic 

 corrective measures, nevertheless the occasional serious complica- 

 tions which result from infection likely to be introduced in fol- 

 lowing such procedures, cause the prudent and skilful practi- 

 tioner to employ safer methods of treatment. 



The application of blistering agents is of no value in stimu- 

 lating resorption of an excessive amount of synovia in chronic 

 cases and the actual cautery when employed without perfora- 

 tion of the synovial structure, is of little benefit. Trusses or 

 mechanical appliances for the purpose of maintaining pressure 

 upon the distended parts are of no practical value because 

 of the great difficulty of keeping such contrivances in position. 

 They usually cause so much discomfort to the subject that they 

 are not tolerated. 



A very practical and fairly successful method of treatment 

 consists in the aspiration of a quantity of synovia and injecting 

 tincture of iodin. Cadiot recommends the drainage of synovia 

 with a suitable trocar and cannula and injecting a mixture 

 consisting of tincture of iodin, one part, to two parts of sterile 

 water, to which is added a small quantity of potassium iodid. 

 The latter agent is added to prevent precipitation of the iodin. 

 This authority (Cadiot) further advocates the removal of prac- 

 tically all of the synovia that will run out through the cannula 

 and the immediate introduction of as much as one hundred cubic 

 centimeters of the above mentioned iodin solution. This solu- 

 tion is allowed to remain in the synovial cavity a few minutes 

 and by compressing the tissues surrounding the tendon sheath, 

 the evacuation of as much of the contents of the synovial cavity 

 as is practicable, is effected. Subsequently the subject is al- 

 lowed absolute rest and more or less inflammatory reaction fol- 

 lows. In some cases there occur marked lameness and some 

 febrile disturbance, but where a good technic is carried out, 

 no bad results follow. At the end of four weeks' time, horees 

 so treated may be returned to service, but the full beneficial 



