KNB5, FBTI.OCK, ANKI,B), AND FOOT. 203 



"hollows," immediately back of the posterior face of the tibia or 

 shank bone. 



In their general characteristics these tumors are similar to windgalls, 

 and one description of the origin, symptoms, changes, and treatment 

 will serve for all equally, except that it is possible for a blood spavin to 

 cause lameness, and thus to involve a verdict of unsoundness in the pa- 

 tient, a circumstance which will of course justify its classification by 

 itself as a severer form of a single type of disease. 



The treatment and the means employed should be (rbst, of course) 

 with liniments, blisters, etc., and early, deep, and well-performed 

 CAUTERIZATION. There are, besides, commendatory reports of a form 

 of treatment by the application of pads and peculiar bandages upon the 

 hocks, and it is claimed that the removal of the tumors has been affected 

 by their use. But experience with this apparatus has not been ac- 

 companied by such favorable results as would justify indorsement of 

 the flattering representations which have sometimes appeared in its 

 behalf. 



Stringhalt. The characteristic symptom of this disease is the spas- 

 modic bending, mdre or less violent, of the hock, sometimes to the ex- 

 tent of striking the abdomen with the fetlock of the affected leg, and at 

 others only sufiicient to lift it a few inches from the ground, but always 

 with the same sudden, uncontrollable jerk. The habit is not affected by 

 the gait of the animal, and whether trotting, walking, or merely turn- 

 ing around, it is all the same. It does not seem to be influenced by the 

 horse's age, young and old being troubled the same. Its first appear- 

 ance sometimes is very slight. It has been noticed in animals when 

 backing out of the stable and ceasing immediately after. In some ani- 

 mals it is best seen when the animal is turning around on the affected 

 leg, and is not noticed when he moves straight forward. That this pe- 

 culiar action interferes with quickness of motion and lessens a horse's 

 claim to soundness can not for a moment be denied. 



Veterinarians are yet in doubt in respect to the cause of this trouble, 

 as well as to its nature. They know not whether it results from disease 

 of the hock, of an ulcerative character; whether it springs from a mal- 

 formation; whether it is purely a muscular or purely a nervous lesion, 

 or a compound of both. Stringhalt still continues to be the puzzle of 

 the veterinarian. 



Various experiments in the line of treatment have been tried, but 

 none have been crowned with satisfactory results. Perhaps some un- 



