Special Injuries of Bones, Joints ami Muscles. 449 



hock, and may be of almost any size. Slight and recent 

 cases may be treated by a purge and sootMng lotions to be 

 followed as soon as heat and tenderness subside by a 

 smart blister (iodide of mercury 2 drs., lard 1 oz.) Should 

 tlie sac remain, evacuate with the nozzle of a hypodermic 

 syiinge and apply a wet elastic bandage ; or open by a 

 small orifice below and heal like an ordinary wound. To 

 prevent its repetition is a much more difficult matter as it 

 usually implies the cm'e of a vice. Stretching prickly 

 bushes or chains behind him, tying chains or logs to the 

 limb above the hock, or applying hobbles are all more 

 hkely to ensure permanent injury to a nervous animal 

 than to cure him of his vice. A kicking strap will often 

 succeed in harness. 



2. In case of sprain of the tendons, the swelling takes 

 place at the two sides and above rather than at the point 

 of the hock. It is more or less tense but elastic and even 

 fluctuates on pressure. It is often attended with severe 

 lameness which may become permanent in connection with 

 ulceration of the bone. It is to be treated hke an ordinary 

 sprain by high-heeled shoe, and fomentations or cold 

 astringent lotions, followed by bhster. If swelling remains 

 it may be punctured and compressed as in the fii'st form 

 of capped hock, but a seton should not be used. 



DISPLACEMENT OUTWARD OF THE TENDON PLAYING OVER 

 THE POINT OF THE HOCK. 



This is a rare occurrence, the tendon being ti-aceable as 

 a firm cord across the outer side of the bone in place of 

 over its summit. It seems impossible to restore it to its 

 place, as the band which fixed the tendon to the inner part 

 of the bony process has given way. Fortunately the 

 animal is often little incommoded after the subsidence of 

 the preliminary inflammation, and I have known one do 

 excellent carriage work, the only objection being the mi- 

 sightliness of tlie hock. 

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