CHAPTER XVI. 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE 

 HOCK JOINT. 



1.— Spavin. 



History. — Lameness comes on gradually. In the 

 beginning the animal goes lame only when just starting out, 

 soon driving out of the lameness, as a rule. 



Inspection. — The nature of the lameness is by no means 

 characteristic, in spite of the general opinion to the contrary. 

 A spavin can only be positively diagnosed when an exostosis 

 is evident. At the same time it cannot be denied that the 

 nature of the lameness and certain attitudes of the lame leg 

 are valuable guides in the diagnosis of spavin. When 

 standing, the lame leg is apt to be carried forward and 

 inward, its heel resting upon the wall of the opposite hoof. 

 The animal exhibits unwillingness to move from one side to 

 the other, and when compelled, especially towards the 

 sound side, it does so with a decided hop. Spavin lameness, 

 particularly in the first stages, is best seen during the first 

 few steps the animal takes, when stepping over from the 

 lame side to the sound one and when turning suddenly. 

 The lame leg at that moment shows a jerky movement, 

 similar to stringhalt, which loses itself after a little work. 

 But in cases of some standing the animal rarely drives 

 entirely out of the lameness ; on the contrary, work is liable 



109 



