350 



a resolution of the inflammation, if not complete, at least sufficiently so 

 to disclose the correct outlines of the hygroma and exhibit its pecu- 

 liar and specific symptoms. The expediency of its removal and the 

 method of accomplishing it are then to be considered, uith 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 immediate 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 re- 

 move 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 T)seudo joint. For the 

 same reason we prefer the treatment of those growths by external ap- 

 l)lications. In the first stages of the disease a severe and stiff blister 

 entirely covering the cyst, jjerhaps not yet completely formed, when 

 the inflammation has subsided will be of great benefit by its stimulat- 

 ing effect, the absorption it may excite, and the i3ressure which when 

 dry it will maintain u])ou the tumor. If, however, the thickening of the 

 growth fails to diminish it should be treated with some of the iodine 

 preparations in the form of ointments, pure or in combination with po- 

 tassa, mercury, etc., of various streugths and in various proportions. 

 Our opinion of setons is not favorable, but the actual canter^', by deep 

 and fine firing, in points— needle cauterization — we believe to be the 

 best mode of treatment, and especially when applied early. 



Whatever treatment may be adopted for capped hock, patience must 

 be one of the ingredients. In these parts absori^tion is slow and the 

 skin is very thick, and its return to a soft, j)liable, natural condition, 

 if effected at all, will only take place after weeks added to other weeks 

 of medical treatment and patient waiting. 



Interfering — Speedy cuts. — These designations belong to certain special 

 injuries of the extremities, produced by similar causes, giving rise to 

 kindred pathological lesions with allied phenomena, requiring about 

 the same treatment and often followed by the same results, to- wit, a 

 blemish which may not only subject the animal to a suspicion of un- 

 soundness, but in some special circnmstances interfere with his ability 

 to labor. It is known as " interfering " when the location of the trouble 

 is the inside of the fetlock of either the fore or hind leg. It is 

 called "speedy cut" when it occurs on the inside of the fore leg, a little 

 below the knee, at the point of contact of that joint with the cannon. 



It is always the result of a blow, self-inflicted, of varying severity, 

 and giving rise to various lesions. At times the injury is too slight to 

 be seriousl3'^ noticed, the hair being scarcely cut and the skin unmarked. 

 At other times the skin will be cut through, partly or wholly, and it 

 may for the time cause a sufiicient amount of pain to check the motion 

 of the animal and induce him to suspend his labor through his inability 

 to use the wounded limb, traveling meanwhile for a short space on three 

 legs only. Sometimes a single blow will sufiice, or again there will be 



