FIKING. 163 



only mode by which the disease can be cured (should the 

 ulcerative stage supervene) is that of ossification of these 

 bones. This process of ossification Nature labours to accom- 

 plish iu the following manner : — The inflammatory action of 

 the disease stimulates the nutritive vessels of the bones ; a 

 greater abundance of bony matter is secreted and deposited ; 

 and iu time the joint may become what is called anch/Iosed, and 

 the lameness in consequence sometimes disappears. This pro- 

 cess, however, if left entirely alone, is tedious and uncertain, in 

 its results ; and even when successful the animal may undergo 

 years of slow torture before recovery is fully established. 

 Now, firing the hocks under the conditions named, aids the 

 natural powers to complete the ossific process more speedily 

 and more effectually. The firing does not effect anything spe- 

 cifically different from what the natural efforts of the diseased 

 structures are striving to effect ; they are, in fact, so far as they 

 go, of a nature precisely similar. 



Piring the spavin increases the inflammation already exist- 

 ing within the joint; but this inflammation being new, and 

 dependent upon a temporary cause, it speedily subsides ; but 

 if, during its existence, it be sufficiently vigorous not only to 

 entirely supplant the old malady but also to fully complete the 

 ossific process already established, the patient speedily becomes 

 what in ordinary language is termed " cured of the spavin," 

 and the firing to have fully answered the purpose intended. 



In like manner we are to explain the action of the actual 

 cautery when applied to the cure of ring-bone, side-bone, 

 splints, and curbs : its effects, however, upon the softer tissues, 

 as when applied to legs debilitated from over exhaustion, are of 

 a different character. In instances of this nature the limbs, if 

 benefitted by the process (which they generally are), the im- 

 provement arises from a twofold source; — first, from the rest 



