riEiNG. 163 



only mode by wliicli fhe disease can be cured (sbould the 

 ulcerative stage supervene) is that of ossification of these 

 bones. This process of ossification nature labours to accom- 

 plish in the following manner : — The inflammatory action of 

 the disease stimulates the nutritive vessels of the bones ; a 

 greater abundance of bony matter is secreted and deposited ; 

 and in time the joint may become what is called anchylosed, and 

 the lameness in consequence sometimes disappears. This pro- 

 cess, however, if left entirely alone, is tedious and uncertain in 

 its results ; and even when successful the animal may undergo 

 years of slow torture before recovery is fully established. 

 Now, firing the hocks under the conditions named, aids the 

 natural powers to complete this ossific process more speedily 

 and more efiectually. The firing does not eflfect anything 

 specifically diflferent from what the natural efforts of the 

 diseased structures are striving to efifect ; they are, in fact, so 

 far as they go, of a nature precisely similar. 



Firing the Spavin increases the inflammation already 

 existing within the joint ; but this inflammation being new, and 

 dependent upon a temporary cause, it speedily subsides ; but 

 if, during its existence, it be sufficiently vigorous not only to 

 entirely supplant the old malady but also to fully complete the 

 ossific process already established, the patient speedily becomes 

 what in ordinary language is termed " cured of the spavin,' ' 

 and the firing to have fully answered the purpose intended. 



In like manner we are to explain the action of the actual 

 cautery when applied to the cure of Eing Bone, Side Bone, 

 splints, and curbs ; its effects, however, upon the softer tissues, 

 as when applied to legs debilitated from over exertion, are of a 

 different character. In instances of this nature the limbs, if 

 benefited by the process (which they generally are), the im- 

 provement arises from a twofold source : first, from the rest 



