664 
LAMENESS IN HORSES. 
A summary mode — and, were it not for the danger that too fre- 
quently attends it, the most effectual one for the removal of wind- 
gall — is an operation having for its object the discharging of its 
contents through an external opening, and the subsequent destruc- 
tion of the secretory powers of the membranous sac composing it. 
And in such a case as capped hock, or capped elbow, or any in- 
sulated bursal swelling unconnected with any joint or synovial 
sheath, such an operation has been followed by the happiest results. 
Not only has the enlargement been in a comparatively short time 
got rid of, but the fruitful producer of the fluid has been, at the 
same time, utterly destroyed. On the other hand, it is our duty to 
observe that sometimes, instead of pleasing results like these, have 
supervened on the operation frightful and alarming consequences. 
Inflammation has seized the opened sac of the windgall ; the part, 
and with it the limb, has become enormously swollen; the sys- 
tem has sympathised, and fallen into a state of irritative fever ; 
life itself even has been threatened through what has appeared so 
simple an affair of operation. Occasional results such as these 
have, in a great measure, deterred us from pursuing such practice : 
some French veterinarians, however, appear to have been more 
venturesome, whether or no on account of being more successful 
in such undertakings, we shall make it our business hereafter to 
inquire. 
Certainly, no operation of the kind ought to be undertaken so 
long as any inflammation is perceptible in the part ; neither, on 
the other hand, would a case which had become chronic, wherein a 
great deal of thickening and alteration of the capsule of the wind- 
gall is discoverable, be a fit one for operation. The capsule, 
indeed, should be but slightly or hardly at all altered, and be 
entirely free from inflammation, while it is filled to distention with 
redundant fluid ; and then, we should say, taking it for granted 
that nothing in the general health or condition of the animal forbids 
it, that such was a case for the operation, providing we felt con- 
fident enough of success to engage in its performance. 
Of the two modes which have been proposed and practised for 
opening the sac, incision and puncture , the latter is generally pre- 
ferred. The formidable wound, and consequent exposure of the 
cavity of the bursa, incision inflicts, now and then excites awful 
inflammation in the part, as well as tumefaction of the whole limb, 
and alarms us for the result; while the only advantage over puncture 
incision holds out is the impossibility of any fresh collection of 
fluid so long as the wound be kept open. 
PUNCTURATION, whenever operation is determined on, .is, for 
many reasons, safer than incision ; and either a very small tro- 
car or an acu-puncture needle is the best instrument we can use 
for the purpose. And in regard to the site of puncture, we have, 
