CAPPED HOCK. 361 



force in the concussion than if it impinged upon the solid plank, and 

 cuts and abrasions can not be inflicted by a properly made cushion. 

 Hobbles are also rightly recommended with a view to the required 

 restraint of motion, so applied as to secure the leg with which the 

 kicking is performed, or even both hind legs, in such a manner as 

 shall not interfere with the movements of lying down and rising 

 again and yet preventing that of kicking backward. Boots similar in 

 pattern to those which are used for the prevention of shoe boil are 

 also prescribed. These are placed above the hock and retained by 

 straps tightly fastened. But we apprehend that the difficulty of 

 retaining them in the proper place without the danger of chafing 

 from the tightness of the straps might form an objection to their use. 

 Notwithstanding all precautions, hocks will be capped in the future as 

 in the past, and the study of their treatment will always be in order. 

 The mode of dealing with them will, of course, be greatly in- 

 fluenced by the condition of the parts. When the inflammation is 

 excessive and the swelling large, hot, and painful to the touch, the 

 application of warm water will be very beneficial. The leg should be 

 well fomented several times a day, for from fifteen to twenty minutes 

 each time, a strong decoction of marsh-mallow leaves being added to 

 the water, and after each application swathed with flannel bandages 

 soaked in the same warm mixture. A few days of this treatment will 

 usually effect a resolution of the inflammation, if not complete, at 

 least sufficiently so to disclose the correct outlines of the hygroma and 

 exhibit its peculiar and specific symptoms. The expediency of its 

 removal and the method of accomplishing it are then to be considered, 

 with the question of opening it to give exit to its contents. If the 

 fluid is of a purulent character the indication is in favor of its imme- 

 diate discharge no time should be lost, and it should be by means of 

 a small opening made with a narrow bistoury. If, however, the fluid 

 is a serosity, we prefer to remove it by punctures with a very small 

 trocar. Our reason for special caution in these cases is our fear 

 of the possibility of the existence of diseased conditions of a severe 

 character in the pseudo joint. For the same reason we prefer the 

 treatment of those growths by external applications. In the first 

 stages of the disease a severe and stiff blister, such as the cantharidate 

 of collodium, entirely covering the cyst, perhaps not yet completely 

 formed, when the inflammation has subsided, will be of great benefit 

 by its stimulating effect, the absorption it may excite, and the pressure 

 which, when dry, it will maintain upon the tumor. If, however, the 

 thickening of the growth fails to diminish, it should be treated with 

 some of the iodine preparations in the form of ointments, pure or in 

 combination with potassium, mercury, etc., of various strengths and 

 in various proportions. My opinion of setons is not favorable, but 

 the actual cautery, by deep and fine firing, in points needle cauteri- 



