56 SPKAINS. 



sized horse, at about six inches below tlie point of the hock. In 

 quite recent cases, it usually takes the form of a rounded knob. In 

 time, this swelling becomes more diffuse by spreading upwards and 

 downwards. 



When the head of the external splint bone is unusually large, a 

 prominence, somewhat resembling that of curb, may be observed, 

 if an outside view of the hock be taken, though it will not be ap- 

 parent when the joint is regarded from the other side. The observer 

 may satisfy himself on tliis point by feeling with the tips of his 

 fingers to ascertain if the course of the back tendons is straight. If 

 the case be difficult to decide, the animal's age, style of going, 

 and the form of the other hock, should be carefully considered. As 

 a rule, a horse should not be passed sound, if any abnonnal confor- 

 mation is confined to one hock; although, had both been sym- 

 metrical, yet slightly differing from the usual shape, little, if any, 

 exception might be taken. 



The term " curby hocks " is an ill-defined expression, which is 

 sometimes used as synonymous with " sickle hocks," and which then 

 means that the hocks are bent, i.e., that they cannot be straightened 

 out as fully as can usually be done. 



Men wishing to sell a horse which has a curb, sometimes try to 

 make out that the swelling is simply the result of a blow, the truth 

 of which assertion may be readily tested by noticing if the swelling- 

 is superficial or deep-seated. If it be of the latter nature, we may 

 conclude that it is due to the presence of curb. Horses sometimes 

 knock their hocks near the seat of this injury when jumping stone 

 walls, or from kicking in harness. 



In severe curb lameness, the animal, to avoid throwing pressure 

 on the inflamed part, may keep the limb raised. 



HEREDITY. — Animals which have suffered from curb, ought not, 

 as a rule, to be used for stud purposes ; for the conformation that 

 renders a hock liable to this injury, is often transmitted to the 

 offspring". 



TREATMENT.— A high-heeled shoe (Fig. 4, p. 27) should be 

 put on, in order to place the part in a state of rest. The rough- 

 and-ready method of applying, in the first instance, biniodide of 

 mercury ointment, at a strength of 1 to 4, and well rubbed in, 

 is probably the best; for by adopting it, the horse will generally 

 be fit for work as soon as the effect of the blister has subsided. 

 A solution of 30 grains of corrosive sublimate to 1 oz. of spirits of 

 wine is preferred by some to the biniodide of mercury application ; 

 but it has the disadvantage of being more liable to blemish than 

 the other. In chronic cases, there is nothing so eft'ective as firing. 



