UNSOUNDNESSES, BLEMISHES, AND VICES 265 



horse is in the recumbent position. Large shoe boils are only 

 removable by the knife. As the skin is thin and tightly stretched 

 at the elbow when the joint is flexed, it is difficult to get the 

 operation wound to heal. The ligature should be mentioned as 

 a means of removing these enlargements. It is passed around 

 the neck of the swelling and tightened each day until the circula- 

 tion is stopped and the whole mass undergoes necrosis and drops 

 off. Shoe boil is usually considered an unsoundness instead of a 

 blemish. 



CAPPED HOCK 



Capped hock is a soft enlargement that develops at the point 

 of the hock. It may be hot and painful, but is usually not inflamed 

 and non-sensitive. A fluid of a serum-like nature will be found if 

 the enlargement is punctured. This is, however, seldom a wise 

 procedure, for most cases are amenable to simpler treatment, 

 besides the sac rapidly refills. Little relief follows the applica- 

 tion of a blister. Painting the enlargement each day with tinc- 

 ture of iodin helps to diminish it. Some cases fail to absorb, 

 even with skilful attention, and the capped condition remains as 

 an eyesore. If no lameness is present, it is customary to classify 

 a capped hock as a blemish rather than an unsoundness. If it 

 does not interfere with the work of the horse, it need not be con- 

 sidered a serious unsoundness. 



BOWED TENDONS 



The tendons situated behind the cannon bone, in both the 

 front and hind legs, are subjected to severe strains from violent 

 efforts or sudden jerks. When the injury is pronounced more or 

 less swelling and soreness is present. The swelling usually extends 

 from the knee down to the fetlock, and occasionally even farther. 

 It is always characterized by heat and is often quite painful. A 

 lameness develops in proportion with the severity of the injury. 

 The tendons relax and bulge or bow backward. They may not 

 resume their normal position even after the acute inflammation 

 subsides, in which case the bowed condition remains and is con- 

 sidered a permanent unsoundness. Treatment consists in the 

 application of blisters. If these fail to bring results, the parts 

 may be strengthened by the use of the firing iron. 



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