361 



is one of conviction, precautions sliould be immediately adopted 

 against a continuance of the evil. The padding of the sides of the 

 stall with straM" mats or mattresses and covering the posts Avith simi- 

 lar material in such a manner that no hard surface shall be exposed 

 ^itli which to come in contact, will reduce the evil to its minimum. 

 He may jar his frame when he kicks, but even then there will be less 

 force in the concussion than if it impinged ujjon the solid jslank, 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 api)lied as to secure the leg with which the 

 kicking is j)erformed, or even both hind legs, in such a manner as shall 

 not interfere with the movements of lying down and rising again 

 and yet allowing that of kicking backwards. Boots similar in pat- 

 tern to those whicli 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 strains might form an objection to their use. Xot- 

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

 the past, and the study of their treatment will alwaj's be in order. 



The mode of dealing with them Avill of course be greatlj" influenced 

 by tlie condition of the parts. AVhen the inflammation is excessive 

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

 of warm water will be verj^ beneficial. The leg should be well 

 fomented several times a daj^, 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 si^ecific s^^mptoms. 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 

 trochar. 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 bj' external applications. In the first 

 stages of the disease a severe and stiff blister entirely covering the 

 cyst, ijerhaps not yet comi^letely formed, when tlie inflammation has 

 subsided will be of great benefit by its stimulating effect, the absorp- 

 tion it may excite, and the pressure which when dry it will maintain 

 51)61— HOR 12* 



