PREVENTION, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT : 8i 



the lower part of the inner surface of the hock, after the skin has 

 been shaved and made aseptic. From this point scissors are passed 

 upward along two lines forward and backward subcutaneously, like 

 the arms of a V. Along these tracts a bistoury is passed, cutting 

 the periosteum to the bone. Rest, preferably in slings, should 

 follow for four to six weeks. In very acute cases, rest and the 

 application of cold compresses over the hock should be made. A 

 shoe must be adapted to the case. When the animal rests on the 

 toe, a high heel should be applied. 



Anterior tibial neurectomy is occasionally done for the relief 

 of lameness in spavin, but the results are not generally successful. 

 It should be a last resort. The tendency to spavin is inherited and 

 ought therefore to be avoided by not using spavined animals to 

 breed from. The same remarks apply to ringbone. 



Ringbone. — The same treatment in a general way also applies 

 to ringbone. Diagnosis is made by exclusion and by the positive 

 evidence of heat and tenderness about the pastern or pedal joint, 

 and later by tumor. Firing with points, blistering with cantharidal 

 ointment (1-8), and rest for four weeks or so, will cure many cases 

 in young subjects. The application of a low-heeled bar shoe for 

 ringbone on the fore leg, and of a high-heeled shoe when on the 

 hind limb, is also advisable. A cold swab about the pasterns in the 

 stable is desirable. Sending the patient to pasture after treatment 

 will give the best results. Neurectomy is to be only used as a last 

 resort. 



Splints. — Splint only causes lameness in young animals in 

 its active stage of development, unless it interferes with the play of 

 tendons or interferes with the joint. The diagnosis of the lameness 

 must be made by the absence of other lesions and the presence of 

 local heat and tenderness about the splint bones and, later, circum- 

 scribed swelling. Sometimes splint occurs behind, but there rarely 

 causes lameness. The tapping of the cannon bone with a percussor 

 may locate tenderness. If the lameness is not very great the appli- 



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