276 THROUGH STABLE AND SADDLE-ROOM. 



Spavins are of three kinds, viz. : bog, blood, and 

 bone spavins. The first is due to enlargement of 

 the mucous sacs between the tendons of the hock 

 on its inside. The second is caused by the former, 

 which, being excessive, distends the vein which 

 passes over it. Such spavins do not always cause 

 lameness ; but when they do, blistering or firing 

 must be resorted to. The latter is the more effica- 

 cious. Bone spavin is a deposit of bony matter 

 on the joint of the hock. It almost invariably 

 occurs on its inner and lower side. At times the 

 deposit may take place between the smaller bones 

 of the hock ; but in either case a horse is generally 

 more or less lame, and I regret to add that there is 

 no cure but firing. 



Horses with very straight hocks are more liable 

 to bog and blood spavins than those whose hocks 

 are more bent. 



Thoroughpin may be described as a wind-gall in 

 the hock, between the muscle and tendon. It can 

 be reduced by means of a truss, which clasps it on 

 both sides of the hock. Thoroughpin does not 

 necessarily cause lameness — indeed, but compara- 

 tively seldom. 



Curb occurs at the back of the hock, and is 

 recognised by a swelling caused by the strain of 

 the tendon, or the sheath of the tendon or of its 



