LAMENESS IN HORSES. 
311 
“ Foals,” says Mr, Mayer, “ and calves are occasionally subject 
to scrofulous inflammation of the hip-joint.” In some cases of this 
kind he has “ seen large formations of matter occur upon the sacro- 
sciatic ligament without being connected with the hip-joint.” — “ In 
others, the formation of matter takes place within the joint.” 
But “ in full-grown animals,” continues Mr. Mayer, “ we rarely 
meet with scrofulous inflammation.” In them, 11 in consequence 
of strains, or of being thrown down, particularly in carts and car- 
riages, synovial inflammation is set up ; and unless very vigorous 
treatment is early adopted, it either terminates in perpetual lame- 
ness from anchylosis, &c., or in the formation of matter, consequent 
ulceration, and, ultimately, loss of life.” 
The following narrative related comes instructive to us here. A 
cart-horse, it was strongly suspected by its owner, had been 
thrown down in a cart. Mr. Mayer did not see the case for some 
months afterwards. The animal looked emaciated from pain and 
irritation. The affected quarter had much wasted, and as the 
animal moved along, by the application of the hand and ear, 
could every now and then be perceived a sensation and sound as 
though “ the head of the femur chucked in and out of the aceta- 
bulum.” Mr. Mayer was of opinion that there was either a 
dislocation of the hip, or a fracture of the neck of the thigh bone , 
and that therefore the animal had better be destroyed. Post- 
mortem examination disclosed a very large collection of pus in and 
around the hip-joint, extending as high as the sacro-sciatic liga- 
ment. The round ligament was ulcerated through its attachments, 
the cartilage lining the acetabulum and clothing the head of the 
femur absorbed, and the matter had made its way through the 
capsular ligament, which accounted for the peculiar sensation and 
sound afforded by progression. It seemed remarkable, the pus 
had not made its way to the surface. 
The Treatment of Hip- joint Lameness may turn out 
either a very trivial or a very formidable affair. Occurring, as it 
usually does, from injury of some sort, continual fomentation of the 
quarter, repose, and brisk cathartic medicine, will very commonly, 
give sufficient time, accomplish the cure. And the most effectual 
fomentation for such a part as the hip is a continual succession of 
woollen cloths, soaked in water as hot as the hand can be borne in 
it. A large covering of spongio-piline, with another soaking in the 
hot water ready to succeed it, would prove most effective. The 
fomentations may be followed by refrigerent or discutient lotions; 
though from the latter not much benefit need be expected. Any 
effective treatment, with a view of discussing or counteracting 
inflammatory action, must now consist in counter-irritation — in 
blisters or setons, or a rowel in the thigh, than which, Mr. Mayer’s 
