32 SPECIAL CATTLE THEEAPT 



HYGROMA 



Practically the only seat of a hygroma in cows is the 

 anterior face of the carpus, resulting probably from 

 bruises contracted in the act of getting up. Again 

 some stanchions and mangers are so arranged that 

 the cows kneel a great deal of the time while feeding 

 and this results in bruising the anterior surface of the 

 knees and the formation of hygromas. 



Hygromas in this location have been seen in cattle 

 frequently, some of them of immense size.' Even small 

 hygromas in the region named seriously interfere with 

 the movements of the limb and in many cases the cow 

 finds it almost impossible to arise when lying down, 

 or to assume recumbency when standing. A case 

 came to our attention in which the tumor had attained 

 the dimensions of a small cocoanut, making it very 

 difficult for the animal to get up or to lie down. The 

 owner informed us that the cow had to be given 

 assistance in getting up ; she would then remain in the 

 standing position for several days at a time. 



The treatment of this condition is almost wholly 

 surgical. 



With the cow in the recumbent position and the 

 affected limb fully extended, a free incision is made 

 along the antero-inferior surface of the tumor, carry- 

 ing the incision well into the center. When the knife 

 penetrates to the center of the tumor, a quantity of 

 more or less organized synovia, or even pus, makes 

 its escape. 



The cavity in the center of the tumor is then in- 

 jected with several ounces of pure tincture of iodin, 

 allowing it to remain for a minute or two. It is then 

 .flushed out with sterile M-ater until the water returns 

 clear. 



