332 SEROUS CYSTS. 



generally self-inflicted in the stable. The presence of mice or rats 

 in a box or stall is a frequent cause of horses kicking at night, and 

 thereby injuring their hocks. I have frequently stopped horses 

 kicking at night, by keeping a cat or two along with the animal. 

 Although the presence of this injury detracts from a horse's value, 

 especially, as it may indicate vice ; it rarely affects his usefulness, 

 except when the part is in an inflamed condition. 



TREATMENT. — When the injury is recent, gentle massage 

 (p. 675) and warm fomentations should be applied. If an attempt 

 is to be made to reduce the tumour — which should not be done 

 until all heat and inflammation have subsided — a seton may be 

 passed through its centre, and should not be allowed to remain 

 longer in than ten days or a fortnight ; or the part may be 

 stimulated, from time to time, with biniodide of mercury (1 to 

 16 of lard). As the enlargement is not connected with any im- 

 portant structure, it may, after it has become hard and free from 

 all heat, be removed by the knife under antiseptic precautions 

 (p. 70). A favourite application among stable men for the re- 

 duction of a capped hock, is a paste made with Fuller's earth 

 or size mixed with vinegar, and kept plastered over the part' while 

 the horse is in his stable. It is brushed off before he is taken 

 out to work. 



Capped Elbow. 



NATURE AND CAUSES. — Capped elbow is a serous cyst situ- 

 ated behind the elbow joint (Fig. 138), and is almost always caused 

 by the part having been hurt by the heels of the shoe pressing 

 upon it, or striking it. This injury is usually inflicted by pressure 

 when the horse is lying down, in which case, hardness of the floor, 

 deficiency of bedding, and securing the animal in his stall with 

 too short a tying-up rope (or chain) will be predisposing causes. 

 When a soft substance (bedding) is interposed between two op- 

 posing surfaces (the floor and the hoof), the severity of the result- 

 ing pressure or shock (on the elbow)i will be decreased by its more 

 extended and more gradual distribution. Tying up the horse short 

 acts by inducing him to lie on his breast-bone, with the heels of 

 his fore feet close to his elbows, instead of lying on his side, which 

 is his natural recumbent position. Among Russian match trotters 

 it is often due to the heel striking the point of the elbow during 

 fast movement. Miners sometimes suffer from a similar enlarge- 

 ment ("miner's elbow"). 



As a rule, it causes lameness, only when it is in an acutely pain- 

 ful state, and when its size interferes with movement. 



