96 
OBSCURE HOCK LAMENESS. 
the opinion, by dwelling upon the very characteristic symptom 
of inability to Hex the joint to the same extent as in the other 
leg. It also appeared to me, that the disease was that described 
by Mr. W. C. Spooner (whom I am happy to find has become a 
near neighbour of mine), as existing between the tibia and as¬ 
tragalus. With regard to effecting a cure in this case, I am far 
from being sanguine ; in fact, it strikes me as being almost hope¬ 
less : but so great is the anxiety of Captain Griffiths, that every 
probable method must be tried ; accordingly, the actual cautery 
presents itself as offering the most likely chance of eventual 
success. Ordered to have a dose of physic, and refrigerant lo¬ 
tions to be applied to the hock. 
16th. —To-day the horse was fired severely on the inside of the 
hock, and more especially over the joint formed by the tibia and 
astragalus. 
22 d .—The fired hock blistered. Thinking that success mainly 
depended upon the external irritation being kept up for a con¬ 
siderable length of time, I ordered that the blister be repeated five 
or six times, at proper intervals, and that the affected part be 
well rubbed with mercurial ointment previously to each repetition 
of the blister. 
September 1 6th .—Nearly five months have now elapsed since 
this patient was first placed under treatment. He has been blis¬ 
tered six times, the last having been applied about six weeks ago. 
Since the irritation produced by these measures subsided, the 
lameness has gradually disappeared, and at the present time he 
is perfectly sound : he can flex the joint as well as the other ; 
his foot is washed out in the proper way ; he turns well in his 
stall, and rests the opposite leg as much as the affected one; 
and, in fact, betrays not the most trifling sign of any ailment 
whatever. This result has far exceeded my hopes ; but although 
now so apparently well, he may not stand a hard day’s run, 
therefore I must wait a little longer before I pronounce success 
complete. 
November 3 d .—My patient this day met the Hambledon 
hounds at Stevens’ Castle Down, twelve miles from home, when 
they had one of the best things of the season, but not being out 
myself I cannot speak of his performances: this much, however, 
I can say, that the affected leg stood perfectly sound, but he came 
home lame in the off fore foot; and I am sorry to add, that after 
we have got rid of an obscure lameness of five years’ standing, 
an affair of yesterday is likely to consign him to the very dogs 
which he has followed so often and so well. 
Remarks .—A case like the one detailed above ought to furnish 
an instructive lesson to us all; it speaks most pointedly of the 
