384 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 
pronounced when the lesion assumes more important dimensions, and 
though a capped knee may be comparatively of little importance we 
have seen cases in which not only extensive blemishes were left to 
disfigure the patient, but the animals had become worthless in con- 
sequence of the extension of the diseased process to the various ele- 
ments composing the joint, and giving rise to the most complicated 
cases of carpitis. 
Treatment—Usually the first symptom of trouble is the edemat- 
ous swelling on the front of the “knee.” The prevention of the in- 
flammation and consequently of the abscess, is the prime object in 
view, and it may be realized by the use of warm-water fomentations 
or compresses applied over the swelling, which may be used either in 
a simple form or combined with astringents, such as Goulard’s ex- 
tract, alum, or sulphate of zinc. The application of warm poultices 
of oil meal or ground flaxseed, enveloping the whole joint and kept 
in place by bandages, is often followed by absorption of the swelling, 
or, if the abscess is in process of formation, by the active excretion of 
pus. If an abscess forms in spite of these precautions it may be 
treated surgically in several ways. 
In one it should be done by a careful incision, which will allow the 
escape of the blood or the serum, or of the pus which is inclosed in 
the sac; in another it may be by means of a seton, in order that the 
discharge may be maintained and allowed to escape; for another we 
may adopt the more cautious manner of emptying the cavity by 
means of punctures with small trocars or aspirators. The danger 
attending this last method arises from the possible sloughing of large 
portions of the skin, while that attending the first is the hazard of the 
possibility of the extension of the inflammation to the capsular liga- 
ment of the knee, with the possibility of an open joint in prospect. 
As we have remarked, the cavity after being emptied may rapidly 
close and leave in a short time but slight traces of its previous exist- 
ence. But in many, if not in most cases, there will remain, after 
the cicatrization is complete, a thickening or organized exudation at 
one time round and well defined, at another spreading by a diffused 
infiltration, to which it will be necessary to give immediate atten- 
tion, from the fact of its tendency to form into an organized and 
permanent body. To stimulate inflammation in this diseased struc- 
ture, blisters are recommended, but chiefly for the purpose of promot- 
ing the process of absorption. 
Tf this treatment fails, the use of iodin and mercurial preparations 
is recommended. 
Plain mercurial or plain iodin ointment, or both in combination as 
iodid of mercury, are commonly used, and may be applied either 
moderately and by gentle degrees, as we have suggested, or more 
freely and vigorously with a view to more immediate effects, which, 
