48 Williams, Fisher, and Udall: The Spavin Group. 
good results, we fail wholly to see why, when the system is 
wasting phosphates, we should supply more to be added to those 
already being excreted. There are enough phosphates in the 
food and perhaps in the body, but the organism is repelling the 
element and discarding it from the system. We consequently 
incline rather to attempt in some. way to cause the system to 
assimilate and conserve the phosphorus on hand. Without know- 
ing the exact nature of the disease, it is difficult to formulate a 
system of medication. 
Were we to assume that the disease is an infection or intoxi- 
cation, we would turn to those substances which, when given 
internally, may be believed to exert a bactericidal power -or 
cause the elimination or destruction of their products. - 
In the cases termed millet disease by Hinebauch, he secured 
apparently good results by the administration of salicylate of soda 
and nitrate of potash. Berns has reported good results in the 
treatment of osteo-porosis with the salicylate. Possibly bitter 
tonics would act similarly. 
We have had some apparently excellent and specific results 
from the administration of potassium iodide in daily doses of 
one-half to one ounce or more, especially in acute cases of recent 
origin, accompanied by general soreness of the skeleton where the 
patient was, so to speak, “lame in all four legs and stiff in the 
back.” The recovery in several cases, where double navicular 
disease seemed clearly present, along with general symptoms 
mentioned, has been prompt and enduring. We have usually 
combined the iodide with nux vomica. 
We may further favor resolution by relieving the most vul- 
nerable parts in which the disease threatens to localize by dimin- 
ishing the labor or stress demanded of the part. The same 
processes tend to alleviate the diseasé when once established, and 
increase the usefulness of the horse. A good example is the 
high-neeled, or the roller motion shoe which relieves the tension 
on the flexor pedis tendon and thereby alleviates navicular dis- 
ease and sometimes ringbone or spavin. The same is true of the 
elastic padded shoes which relieve the concussion. Partly in 
the same manner relief is sometimes had from pain due to those 
members of the group having their location within the hoof, by 
relieving the encased parts from the pressure of hard, @ry hoofs 
by mechanical expanders or expanding them by maceration. 
