AND HIS DISEASES. 15 



all cases ; on the contrary, we frequently have spavin uniting 

 the cuneiforms, without the least outward enlargement. 



Symptoms.-^The bony enlargement is conclusive evi- 

 dence ; but in most cases other symptoms are required. 

 When spavin is coming on, he may only show occasional 

 lameness ; but as it becomes more confirmed, the lameness in- 

 creases, being always worse in the morning,, or when starting, 

 getting better as he becomes heated. The hOck is observed 

 to be less freely used than the other. He is worse on the 

 hard road. He limps considerably when he strilces his toe 

 to a stone or the ground. If the leg be taken up, and the 

 joint forcibly extended or flexed, he will limp considerably. 

 Spavined horses generally lose condition, and from the 

 pain caused by rising, they frequently stand for a long 

 time. 



Treatment. — The treatment of spavin does not differ in 

 any material degree from that of splints. Cold applications 

 freely applied will be found very advantageous in the outset 

 of the disease. In simple cases, if taken in the early stage, 

 and suflScient rest allowed, the inflammatory process may be 

 stayed by blistering. Firing is frequently resorted to, and 

 is much practised at the Edinburgh College, with consider- 

 able success. Setons, however, are now more in use by ' 

 private practitioners ; and we must ad mit we have seen mor e 

 benefit from them than firing. In cases where it is very 

 large, punchi ng is found more advantageou s^ It consists in 

 reflecting part of the skin over the spavin, and driving a 

 three-pronged punch into the bony tumour, which sets up 

 a dis charge from th e bone itself. ' Those of the older school 

 use powerful causliics, corrosive sublimate, or arsenic, which 

 they insert under the skin. The extensive sloughing which 

 ensues from these barbarous practices are sufficient to 

 condemn them. The days of the chisel and mallet, the 



