298 PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 



tive and proliferative changes. The probability of effecting a 

 cure in this class of joint troubles is very remote. 



Bog spavin is a serous inflammation of the synovial layer of 

 the capsule of the hock-joint. An abnormal amount of synovia 

 accumulates in the joint cavity which causes the soft tissues 

 around the joint to bulge outward. Horses of all ages are sub- 

 ject to bog spavin, but it is more common in loose- jointed draft 



Fig. 77. — Bog spavin of left hock of mule. 



colts. It rarely occasions lameness and may disappear without 

 treatment. The well-defined, puffy swelling is soft and situated 

 in front and to the inside of the hock (Fig. 77). Treatment 

 should aim at the absorption of the accumulated fluid. This is 

 best accomplished by applying a special bog-spavin truss, ar- 

 ranged so as to bring pressure over the swelling. Blisters afford 

 but little relief in these cases. The fluid may be drawn off anti- 

 septically with a capillary trocar or aspirating syringe, but the sac 



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