558 
ENLARGEMENT OF SYNOVIAL CAVITIES IN FORE LIMB. 
fresh growth and small size, they may, if properly treated, be cured; 
but, on the other hand, may persist for long, and resist all forms of 
treatment, yet without impairing the animal’s usefulness. 
Enlargements of the extensor tendon sheaths seldom cause lameness, 
are more accessible to operative interference, and are, therefore, of less 
moment. Distension of flexor sheaths, especially when near joints, is 
more difficult to remove, still more so are enlargements of the capsular 
ligament of the joint. 
Galls on the flexor pedis perforatus, particularly in the hind limbs, are 
apt to become chronic and indurated. They are even more troublesome 
if accompanied by inflammation of the tendon of the flexor pedis and by 
lameness, complications which are also more frequent in hind than in 
fore limbs. As a rule, the swelling appears distinctly above the sesamoid 
hones. 
Treatment must follow general principles, and it is here only neces¬ 
sary to remark that recent painful conditions are best treated by cold 
poultices or irrigations, or by immersing the parts in cold water. This 
should, when possible, be supplemented by bandaging and compression. 
As soon as acute inflammation subsides, moist warm applications may 
replace the cold ones, compression being continued, and, if the parts are 
not painful, massage may be tried. Light work also promotes 
absorption. Though moderate recent swellings may sometimes be 
dispersed in this way, the effect is seldom permanent, for distension 
generally recurs with work, and the practitioner is forced to resort to 
irritants like cantharides ointment, ungt. hydrarg. biniodid. 1:8, sulphuric 
acid, sublimate, &c., or, better still, to blistering-plaster, cantharides 
collodion, or the firing-iron. The effect of these applications is to be 
ascribed to the regular and lasting pressure produced by the swelling 
acting on tendon sheaths or capsules of joints, and assisting absorption. 
On account of the pressure it exercises, blistering-plaster acts more 
energetically than blistering ointments. The firing-iron produces its 
effect by cicatricial contraction. When freely used it is most effective, 
though, as it leaves scars, and only substitutes one blemish for another, 
it should not be lightly resorted to; nevertheless it is one of the most 
valuable remedies in such cases. 
The effect of artificial drainage has been much overstated. In France, 
however, drainage and the subsequent injection of iodine solution, has 
long been a favourite method of treating chronically large synovial cavities. 
Simple extraction by trochar is in nowise dangerous if performed with 
antiseptic precautions, but its effect is not lasting, and the tendon sheath 
or joint refills in a few hours, though, after repeated abstraction of fluid 
secretion sometimes seems to stop. Cure is always uncertain, and even 
the after-injection of iodine does not ensure it. Sometimes the tendon 
