SPAVIN 8 I 



it is obvious that if the inflammatory process be hastened, the sooner 

 will anchylosis occur, the pain subside, and lameness disappear. The 

 application of counter-irritants has this effect ; consequently blistering 

 the hock is in some cases indicated. But, acting on this principle, 

 pyro-puncturing the hock is considered by many to be the most effective 

 method of treatment, and the author has frequently found this method 

 attended with successful results, particularly in cases in which there is a 

 fairly well-defined exostosis. For the purposes of this operation either a 

 ball-headed iron with a needle, or an iron in which the head is drawn 

 out very gradually to a point, should be utilised. This is in order 

 that the needle or iron may be pushed well into the exostosis without 

 producing a large cutaneous opening. The position of the internal 

 saphena vein is easily located, and it should, of course, be avoided. One 

 puncture is usually sufficient, though two or three may be made if the 

 exostosis be a large one ; but more than two or three are quite unneces- 

 sary. A blister should then be rubbed well into the part, biniodide ot 

 mercury being preferable, on account of its antiseptic properties. 



Another method of treatment, with a similar object, is to insert 

 a seton or rowel beneath the skin over the exostosis, the seton or rowel 

 being coated with ointment blister. 



Line-firing is sometimes adopted, a feather pattern being selected, 

 with the central line running obliquely over the seat. This method, 

 however, is not nearly so effective as that of pyro-puncture. 



Some operators sever the cunean division of the flexor metatarsi 

 tendon, scrape the paits beneath, subsequently applying a blister. The 

 object in this case is the same as in pyro-puncturing. In performing the 

 operation the tendon is located in the manner described in dealing 

 with cunean tenotomy. The tendon is not exposed, but the blade or 

 the knife is pressed through the skin, and the tendon severed trans- 

 versely. That the tendon is severed will be evident from the fact that 

 the portion which is still attached to the muscle will be found to be 

 relaxed. This may be felt on manipulation. The cutaneous incision 



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