202 TH« HORSB. 



means is then presented, and free cauterization with the fire-iron be- 

 comes necessary. 



At this point a word of explanation in reference to this oper- 

 ation of fireing may be appropriate ' for the satisfaction of any 

 who may entertain an exaggerated idea of its severity and possible 

 cruelty. 



The operation is one of simplicity, but is nevertheless one which, in 

 order to secure its benefits, must be reserved for times and occasions of 

 which only the best knowledge and highest discretion should be allowed 

 to judge. It is not the mere application of a hot iron to a given part of 

 the body which constitutes the operation of firing. It is the methodical 

 and scientific introduction of heat into the structure with a view to a 

 given effect upon the diseased organ or tissue. The first is one of the 

 degrees of mere burning. The other is scientific cauterization, and is a 

 surgical manipulation. 



Either firing alone or stimulation with blisters is of great effi- 

 cacy for the relief of lameness from bone spavin. Failure to pro- 

 duce relief after a few applications and after allowing a sufficient 

 interval of rest, should be followed by a second,, or, if needed, a 

 third firing. 



Blood Spavin and Thoroughpins. The compHcated arrange- 

 ment of the hock joint, and the powerful tendons which pass on the 

 posterior part, are lubricated with the product of secretion from one ten- 

 dinous synovial and several articular synovial sacs. One large articular 

 sac contributes to the lubrication of the shank bone (the tibia) and the 

 bones of the hock proper (the astragalus). The tendinous sac lies back 

 of the articulation itself, and extends upwards and downwards in the 

 groove of that joint through which the flexor tendons slide. The dila- 

 tation of this articular synovial sac is what is denominated blood spavin, 

 the term thoroughpin being applied to the dilatation of the tendinous 

 capsule. 



Blood Spavin is situated in front and a little inward of the hock; 

 the THOROUGHPIN is found at the back and on the top of the hock. The 

 former is round, smooth, well defined, presenting on its outer surface, 

 running from below upwards, a vein which is more or less prominent as 

 the bursa is more or less dilated, and it is from this conspicuous blood 

 vessel that the tumor derives its name. The thoroughpin is also 

 round and smooth, but not so regularly formed, on each side and a 

 little in front of the tendons in that part of the hock known as the 



