DISEASES AND INJURIES OF THE LEGS. 



181 



It is always a defect and may become a serious blemish. It commonly 

 occurs in weak hocks, because in them any over-exertion is likely to be 

 injurious. 



Treatment. — The swelling should never be punctured, and the 

 treatment must be directed chiefly toward reducing its size and allaying 



pain. 



A sweating bandage, that is, a wet bandage covered with oiled silk. 



or rubber cloth, and this again covered with an ordinary flannel bandage, 

 often acts very favorably in reducing the enlargement. An India-rubber 

 bandage with a hole in it, through Avhich the point of the hock may pro- 

 ject, is most convenient, and serves an excellent purpose. It is well to 

 rub the swelhng carefully, but firmly and thoroughly for some time before 

 applying the bandage. 



If these measures fail, resort to the following stimulating ointment, 

 together Avith rubbing: 



Biniodide of mercury § ss. 



Lard § viij. 



Possibly a blister or a succession of blisters may be temporarily beneficial, 

 but, as a general rule, no permanent benefit results from such practice. 

 If the case is of recent origin, the milder measures will probably remove, 

 temporarily at least, the enlargement; Avhilst if it is chronic, even severe 

 measures will fail to affect it. In fact, in chronic cases, the greater part 

 the enlargement generally consists of thickened integument and of orga- 

 nized deposits in the synovial capsule, which cannot be removed. 



As a general rule, it is best not to apply treatment to such 



