KNBE, FETLOCK, ANKI,B, AND FOOT. 1 83 



scribed. In cases where the growth of horn seems too slow, a Spanish 

 fly blister applied to the heels is often followed by good results. Feet in 

 which the disease is readily induced may be protected in the stable with 

 a leather boot. If the thrush is but a sequel to other diseases a perma- 

 nent cure may not be possible. 



Wind-galls. Joints and tendons are furnished with sacs containing 

 a lubricating fluidxalled synovia. When these sacs are overdist ended, 

 by reason of an excessive secretion of synovia, they are called wind- 

 galls. They form a soft, puffy tumor about the size of a hickory nut, 

 and are most often found in the fore-leg, at the upper part of the fetlock 

 joint, between the tendon and the shin-bone. When they develop in 

 the hind-leg it is not unusual to see them reach the size of a walnut. 

 Occasionally they appear in front of the fetlock on the border of the 

 tendon. The majority of the horses are not subject to them after colt- 

 hood is passed. 



Causes. Wind-galls are often seen in young, over-grown horses, 

 where the body seems to have outgrown the ability of the joints to sus- 

 tain the weight. In cart and other horses used to hard work, in trotters 

 with excessive knee action, in hurdle racers and hunters, and in most 

 cow-ponies there is a pre-disposition to wind-galls. Street-car horses 

 and others used to start heavy loads on slippery streets are the ones 

 most apt to develop wind-galls in the hind legs. 



Symptoms. The tumor is more or less firm and tense when the 

 foot is on the ground, but is soft and compressible when the foot is off 

 the ground. In old horses wind-galls generally develop slowly and 

 cause no inconvenience. If they are caused by excessive tension of the 

 joint the tumor develops rapidly, is tense, hot, and painful, and the ani- 

 mal is exceedingly lame. The patient stands with the joint flexed, 

 walks with short steps, the toe only being placed on the ground. When 

 the tumor is large and situated upon the inside of the leg it may be in- 

 jured by interfering, causing stumbling and inflammation of the sac. 

 Rest generally causes the tumor to diminish in size, only to fill up 

 again after renewed labor. In old cases the tumors are hardened, 

 and may become converted into bone by a deposit of the lime 

 salts. 



Treatment. The large, puffy joints of suckling colts, as a rule, re- 

 quire no treatment, for as the animal grows older the parts clean up, and 

 after a time the swelling entirely disappears. 



When the trouble is due to an injury, entire rest is to be secured by 



