lameness: its causes and treatment. 387 



well fomented several times a day, for from 15 to 20 minutes each 

 time, a strong decoction of marsh-mallow leaves being added to the 

 water, and after each application swathed with flannel bandages 

 soaked in the same warm mixture. A few days of this treatment 

 will usually effect a resolution of the inflammation ; if not complete, 

 at least sufficiently so to disclose the correct outlines of the hygroma 

 and exhibit its peculiar and specific symptoms. The expediency of 

 its removal and the method of accomplishing it are then to be con- 

 sidered, with the question of opening it to give exit to its contents. 

 If the fluid is of a purulent character, the indication is in favor of 

 its immediate discharge. No time should be lost, and it should be 

 by means of a small opening made with a narrow bistoury. If, how- 

 ever, the fluid is a serosity, we prefer to remove it by punctures with 

 a very small trocar. Our reason for special caution in these cases is 

 our fear of the possibility of the existence of diseased conditions of 

 a severe character in the pseudo joint. For the same reason we 

 prefer the treatment of those growths by external applications. In 

 the first stages of the disease a severe and stiff blister, such as the 

 cantharidate of coUodium, entirely covering the cyst, perhaps not 

 yet completely formed, when the inflammation has subsided, will be 

 of great benefit by its stimulating effect, the absorption it may excite, 

 and the pressure which, when dry, it will maintain upon the tumor. 

 If, however, the thickening of the growth fails to diminish, it should 

 be treated with some of the iodin preparations in the form of oint- 

 ments, pure or in combination with potassium, mercury, etc., of 

 various strengths and in various proportions. My opinion of setons 

 is not favorable, but the actual cautery, by deep and fine firing, in 

 points — ^needle cauterization — I believe to be the best mode of treat- 

 ment, and especially when applied early. 



A very satisfactory way to treat these cases is to burst the swelling 

 by pressure from without. A strap or strong linen bandage is placed 

 about the hock, pressing on the bursa, while the affected leg is on 

 the groimd, the other hind foot being lifted up. When the bandage 

 is in place the leg should be released, and the horse will violently 

 flex the bandaged limb and produce pressure on the bursa, with 

 consequent bursting and discharging of its contents. 



Whatever treatment may be adopted for capped hock, patience 

 must be one of the ingredients. In these parts absorption is slow, 

 the skin is very thick, and its return to a soft, pliable, natural condi- 

 tion, if effected at all, will take place only after weeks added to other 

 weeks of medical treatment and patient waiting. 



INTERFEBING, AND SPEEDY CUTS. 



These designations belong to certain special injuries of the ex- 

 tremities, produced by similar causes, giving rise to kindred patho- 



