464 LAMENESS. CAUSES OF [BOOK III. 



has then to force a new channel, in doing which ir- 

 ritation of the parts adjacent is the means of cure, 

 by promoting absorption ; whereas, the same effect 

 might be produced by blistering, as in the two cor- 

 respondent disorders just named above. 



6. Bojie-Spavin. 



This disorder consists in a bony enlargement at 

 the upper end of the shank-bone, inside of the 

 hock-joint, a little below it. It belongs to the hind 

 leg only; and if not undertaken in time becomes 

 incurable. 



Caused by the same kind of cupidity as the last 

 mentioned diseases ; and like these is generally mis- 

 taken for some strain at the superior part, as the 

 hip-joint, until by delay all our endeavours are 

 rendered hopeless. At the seat of this disorder 

 the leg is composed of three bones, which fit to- 

 gether into one common cavity at the hock; and 

 notwithstanding they appear as close together as 

 one bone, yet possess separate motion to give 

 elasticity to the animal's tread, and assist him in 

 the act of progression, as may be observed in the 

 working of his haunches when the horse is going 

 at full speed, or making a standing leap. By 

 mounting the colt whilst too young to bear the in- J 

 cumbent weight, by pushing him hard in his work, 

 as well as by working young cattle at plough, a 

 practice some breeders of heavy horses injudiciously 

 adopt, these bones get strained asunder, as 'twere, 

 and inflammation takes place. 



