212 INJURIES OF THE ELBOW-JOINT. 



fomentation as is mentioned in the preceding article, 

 followed by the like stimulating application and rest, 

 will be useful here. 



INJURIES OF THE ELBOW-JOINT. 



The most frequent injury of the elbow-joint is a 

 tumour (capped elbow) usually at first soft, and situ- 

 ated on the point of the olecranon. The capped elbow 

 arises from various causes ; the most frequent is the 

 pressure of the calkin of the shoe on the elbow, caused 

 by an awkward doubling up of the fore legs when 

 the horse is lying down. The heels should be ex- 

 amined, and the calkins lowered. 



While the contents of the tumour are yet fluid, it is 

 best to waste no time with lotions, or washes, in the 

 hope of dispersing the swelling. Cut at once boldly 

 upon it, and afterwards either dissect out the sac, 

 or destroy it effectually by the application of caustic. 

 The frequent bathing of the part with the weaker 

 solution of the chloride of zinc, is all that will be 

 necessary afterwards ; though frequently wounds upon 

 the joint of the elbow, engendered by the cap being 

 neglected, are long in healing. 



As the tumour enlarges, its weight often causes it 

 to become pendulous. It likewise may change its cha- 

 racter, and become hard or scirrhous. An incision, in 

 the latter case, should be made through the skin the 

 whole length of the enlargement. The skin should be 

 carefully dissected back, and the tumour taken away 

 entire. This is the preferable way of proceeding. 

 No seton (consisting of coarse tape) should be passed 



