CAPPED HOCK. 361 



force in the concussion than if it inii:)inged upon the solid i^hmk, and 

 cuts and abrasions can not be inflicted by a pro})erly 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 l)()tli hind legs, in such a manner as 

 shall not interfere Avith 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 l)e 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 Avill, 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 Avarm Avater Avill be A^ery beneficial. The leg should be 

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

 each time, a strong decoction of nuirsh-malloAv leaA^es being added to 

 the Avater, and after each application sAvathed Avith flannel bandages 

 soaked in the same Avarm mixture. A fcAv days of this treatment Avill 

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

 least sufficiently so to disclose the correct outlines of theJiygroma and 

 exhibit its peculiar and specific symptoms. The expediency of its 

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

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

 fluid is of a purulent character the indication is in faA'or of its imme- 

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

 a small opening made Avith a narroAv bistoury. If, hoAveA^er, the fluid 

 is a serosity, Ave prefer to remove it by punctures Avith a A^ery 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 Ave prefer the 

 treatment of those groAvths by external applications. In the first 

 stages of the disease a seA'ere and stiff blister, such as the cantharidate 

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

 formed, Avhen the inflannnation has subsided, Avill be of great benefit 

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

 Avhich, Avhen dry, it Avill maintain upon the tumor. If, hoAveA'er. the 

 thickening of the ffroAvth fails to diminish, it should be treated Avith 

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

 combination Avith 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- 



