548 
TUMOURS OF THE KNEE IN CATTLE. 
slowly, but is continued. The tumour may become immense (as much 
as a yard in circumference), and even reach to the ground. The degree 
of pain varies, sometimes being considerable, but chiefly depending on 
the mode of origin of the disease. When caused by a single violent 
bruise it is generally painful: but the slower the development the less 
the pain. The swelling, though at first soft and fluctuating, at a later 
stage becomes firm, and is often covered with thick masses of horn. In 
cutaneous “ capped knee” the tumour remains movable on the sub¬ 
jacent tissues for a long time; in the synovial form it takes an elongated 
shape corresponding to the direction of the sheaths of the tendons, and 
extends over the metacarpus from the region of the extensor pedis 
tendon, ihe articular form is more diffuse; it often covers the sides of 
the knee, and is firmly attached to the underlying parts. Ossification is 
denoted hy unusual hardness, and by greater difficulty in moving the 
joint than in the two previous forms. Lameness is usually slight; only 
when the disease is acute and causes great pain, or when the swelling 
becomes excessive, is movement much interfered with. 
The treatment of “ capped knee ” is as varied as its causes, and must 
depend on the nature of the injury and the anatomical changes. Fresh 
bruises and acute inflammation, accompanied by great pain, are best 
combated by cold applications, followed later by warmth and moisture. 
In skin injuries searclnmust be made for foreign bodies like splinters of 
glass, fragments of gravel, &c., and the dressings should be saturated 
with disinfecting fluid; in any case plenty of clean straw must be given, 
and it is well to cover the bottom of the stall with sawdust or sand 
instead of leaving the stones exposed. 
Where superficial fluctuation can be detected, cavities should be 
opened at the lowest point. The animal is tied up securely, and an 
assistant directed to grasp it by the nose. The swelling is then opened 
with a bistoury or pointed tenotome. As the leg is generally lifted at 
this moment, the cutting edge of the knife must be directed upwards and 
outwards to prevent deep-seated structures being injured. The cavity is 
freed from clots with the fingers, the animal placed on soft, clean straw, 
and the wound cleansed daily. Recovery generally occurs in three to 
four weeks. Hertwig recommends passing a seton through the swelling, 
leaving it in position for fourteen days, and following up this treatment 
by blistering. 
Although similar treatment may be employed in the synovial form, it is 
better, if the parts are already aseptic, to puncture with the trochar, using- 
antiseptic precautions, and afterwards inject a solution of iodine in iodide 
of potassium. Should this fail, or should purulent inflammation of the 
sheath of the tendon set in, it may be necessary to lay the sheath open 
and thoroughly cleanse it. Having regard, however, to the fact that this 
