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CASES OF THE SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF BUR- 
SAL ENLARGEMENTS BY PUNCTURING. 
By Harry Daws, Esq., VS., London. 
Having read some observations in the March Number of The 
Veterinarian, relative to the practicability of evacuating en- 
cysted tumours, or bursae mucosae, which contain a superabun- 
dance of their natural secretion, I am induced to relate a few 
successful cases which have occurred under my own immediate 
superintendence ; although I confess that I should very reluctantly 
have recourse to the severe exercise which was used in order to 
set up adhesive inflammation. 
The bursae, in various parts, often become considerably enlarged 
from long-continued exertion, and without producing any func- 
tional derangement. Their progress is usually slow ; and they are 
considered as an eye-sore, which may generally be relieved by a 
temporary suspension of labour, in conjunction with blisters over 
the parts affected. Occasionally, however, we meet with cases 
of a very acute nature occurring after a severe day’s work, or 
through some sudden strain. They are accompanied by consider- 
able pain and lameness, and the tumour becomes indurated from 
the presence of coagulable lymph occupying the sac that was 
formerly filled with a mucous secretion. An antiphlogistic plan 
of treatment in an early stage will sometimes be found service- 
able ; but if not successful, the firing-iron must ultimately be re- 
sorted to. 
At other times we meet with bursae enormously enlarged ; for 
instance, those situated above the posterior part of the knee, 
where the flexor muscles become tendinous ; also in the hind ex- 
tremity above the hock, and near the stifle-joint. These generally 
assume a chronic form ; they are soft and fluctuating, and may or 
may not occasion lameness, in proportion as they interfere with 
the action of the tendons which pass over them. Repeated 
counter-irritants, setons, firing, &c. are sometimes beneficial; but 
where there is no direct communication with the capsule of a 
joint, they may not only be punctured, but laid open freely, and 
their contents evacuated, without any untoward results occurring, 
while there will be the saving of considerable time and expense 
connected with the loss of the services of the animal. Such, at least, 
has been the result of my practice in these bursal enlargements. 
A recital of the following cases may, perhaps, not be uninteresting. 
A grey mare, seven years old, the property of Lord Vernon, 
was the subject of a very large thoroughpin : it had existed some 
