470 VETERINARY SURGICAL THERAPEUTICS. 
of the articulations. At this stage, the pains due to the osteo-arthritis < 
often very great. In walking, there is a sudden flexion of the hoc 
analogous to springhalt. However, this symptom is quite rare, and still 
may be observed when there is no alteration of the tarsal articulation 
That which is most frequently seen is an abnormal, more or less marke 
‘stiffness of the hock. The sudden flexions of the cannon increase t 
lameness; sometimes the animal falls when turning short. But the 
phenomena are not characteristic. Many J/asent spavins are diagnos 
only by exclusion and by the old ideas of extreme frequency 
hock lamenesses. It is often only after six weeks, two months or ev 
Fig. 101.—Spavin, seen from forward, Fig. roz—Spavin, seen from  behin 
left leg. right leg. (Goubaux and Barrier.) 
later, that, on the ordinary seat of spavin, a bony tumor, gradually increai 
ing, is detected. Then the pains resulting from the arthritis being muc 
reduced, the lameness diminishes little by little. 
Without doubt, spavin is one of the most severe lesions of the locomotor 
apparatus. One of the most authoritative old hippiatres has said 
« Any horse with one or two spavins of steer will never be useful.” Th 
prognosis varies with the age, size and situation of the tumor. Observ: 
tion has taught that spavins are so much more serious and rebel to trea’ 
ment that they are situated more forward and nearer to the fold of th 
hock. We must not count on the “ restituo ad integrum”’ of the invade 
joints; but in a large number of cases, one succeeds in removing th 
lameness. Authors who, like Lemichel, claim that “spavin never fo 
gives,” have evidently exaggerated the rebel tendency of the affectio: 
