APP^.NDIX. —WOUNDS OF CAVITIES. 329 



belly, it must be treated according to the 

 directions given under the heads, Jnflani- 

 mation of the Lungs and Bowels. 



The cavities next in injportance to the chest 

 and belly are those wdm^d^i joints i which in 

 horses are more frequently wounded than the 

 other cavities. These wounds, although from 

 mismanagement the}' sometimes prove fatal, 

 yet are of more importance from the circum- 

 stance, that without the greatest care and the 

 most judicious treatment they almost inva- 

 riably render the horse permanentl)' lame ; and 

 sometimes in so considerable a degree, that 

 he becomes nearly if not entirely useless. 

 Previous liowever to enterinsr on the con- 

 sideration of their treatment, it is desirable to 

 give such an account of the structure of a 

 joint, as may render the directions more in- 

 telligible. A joint is formed, generally speak- 

 ing, by the ends or heads of two or more 

 bones : these ends are covered by a layer of 

 gristle or cartilage, which is of a yielding and 

 elastic nature : this cartilage has on it's surface 

 a firm but thin membrane, which -is constantly 

 forming a slippery fluid termed synovia or 

 joint oil : it possesses also absorbent vessels to 



