CAPPED HOCK 363 



hocks when falling backwards in rearing is sometimes the cause, and in 

 many cases it is referable to kicking. The slighter cases of this disease 

 result from rubbing the points of the hocks repeatedly against the wall or 

 stall-posts while rubbing the tail. 



Symptoms. Of the two forms of the malady, that arising out of 

 injury to. the subcutaneous cellular tissue is by far the more common, 

 and, it may also be said, the less important. 



Capped hocks usually appear suddenly. The size and nature of the 

 swelling will vary with the manner of its production. Where it is excited 

 by repeated rubbing the growth is small at first, and gradually increases in 

 size so long as the cause continues in operation. Blows inflicted in any of 

 the several ways indicated above are followed by sudden swelling, which 

 will be proportionate to the injury. Sometimes it is very considerable, hot 

 and painful to the touch. In consistence it may be firm or tense and 

 fluctuating like an inflated bladder. The latter conditions indicate the 

 presence of fluid beneath the skin, which mostly consists of blood-stained 

 serum (serous abscess). 



It is very seldom that lameness results from this form of the disease,, 

 although it sometimes occasions slight stiffness for a few strides when 

 recently produced. 



The second and exceptional form of the disease is readily distinguished 

 from the first by the fact of the enlargement appearing at the sides of the 

 point of the hock and not on the point itself. It is, moreover, always in 

 the nature of a fluctuating swelling, and, as a rule, inconsiderable in size. 

 It not infrequently gives rise to lameness, and when complicated with 

 disease of the bone is troublesome and serious. 



Treatment. Slight cases of true capped hock do not require much 

 treatment. Cold-water irrigation and cold sponging for a few days, 

 coupled with removal of the cause, and, later, a little hand rubbing 

 daily with gentle pressure, will suffice. Where, however, the swelling is 

 considerable and the hock much inflamed, a dose of physic should be 

 administered at once, and hot fomentations applied freely to the injured part,' 

 with the decline of the inflammation, cold-water irrigation may be sub- 

 stituted for hot fomentation. Daily exercise or light work will be beneficial 

 rather than otherwise when the tenderness has disappeared, and a little gentle 

 hand rubbing with pressure may aid in removing the swelling. Where the 

 enlargement proves obstinate a mild blister may be applied and repeated 

 if necessary. It frequently happens in the more severe cases that a per- 

 manent and unsightly enlargement remains after all* has been done; but 

 there is a tendency to diminish in size as time goes on, so long as no- 

 further injury is permitted to be inflicted. Where the enlargement assumes- 



