€APl>J$i) HOCKS. 
131 
with thoroughpin, still a purchaser, when he notices these, 
should otherwise examine the horse with care, to discover, if 
possible, that they have not been induced by previous hard 
work, which will sooner or later tell on the animal. 
Treatment. —The same remedies as recommended in 
wind-galls are applicable to this complaint. But there is 
no certain cure, and hard work is almost certain to make 
them re-appear. 
CAPPED HOCKS. 
Capped hocks consists of a swelling on the very point of 
the hock-joint (see plate 7, fig. 4, a) The tumour is soft 
and fluctuating, caused by an enlargement of one of the 
mucus bags described in wind-galls and thoroughpin. Lame¬ 
ness seldom accompanies capped hock, but nevertheless 
it is an awkward complaint, particularly in draught-horses, 
in consequence of this part being very liable to come in 
contact with the bar of a gig or carriage ; and by causing 
pain to the animal, induces him to kick, and, if a high- 
tempered horse, often causes much mischief. It is generally 
produced by blows of some kind ; but in many instances the 
injury is inflicted by the horse himself in kicking, and that 
when the animal is in harness, although some are in the 
habit of kicking while in the stall. It also occurs some¬ 
times by the bedding of the horse being too thin, and the 
hock may be bruised in consequence, and it may besides 
proceed from a sprain of the hock-joint. 
Treatment. —Blisters are the only means that can be 
employed with the hopes of removing the swelling, and it 
often happens that these must be frequently repeated before 
a cure can be effected. Sometimes the swelling disappears 
without any other means than rest being employed. But 
often capped hock becomes of a, very large size, and callous 
