BONE SPAVIN. 
409 
adopted, viz. : the application of an ointment of biniodide of 
mercury (i to 8), and attention to the hock until all swelling: 
and fever have disappeared. The next step is the application 
of a plaster of Paris bandag’e to the hock, in such a manner 
that complete rest is obtained for the joint. Now the applica¬ 
tion of the bandage requires patience, and some skill. 
In the first place it is necessary to keep the hock motion¬ 
less, while the plaster is being applied, and until it has 
thoroughly set. This can be accomplished by holding up one 
foreleg, for a short time, but of course not long enough for the 
bandage to be applied and for it to set. This trouble is over¬ 
come by placing the horse temporarily in a sling, and having 
the foreleg held up. The bandage can then be thoroughly ap¬ 
plied. In applying the bandage the leg must be in a natural 
position, not too much extended, or flexed (if anything 
slightly in extension). Great care must be taken to avoid 
bandaging too tightly; it must be borne in mind that in setting 
the plaster contracts, and if after the bandage has been applied 
any swelling of the limb should be noticed, the bandage should 
be immediately removed, and reapplied. 
Now that the plaster is applied, something must be done to 
keep the animal from flexing the limb. To prevent this I 
apply a small padded block (such as is used to keep a patella 
from being re-dislocated), placed in the hollow behind the 
pastern, and strapped around the pastern. It must fit closely 
and comfortably, resting on the lateral cartilages below, and 
reaching up to the under part of the fetlock joint. 
We have now obtained what we desired, viz. : perfect rest 
for the joint; no friction. The after treatment consists in 
keeping the animal in as confined a position as possible, and 
although I did not do so in my case, I suggest that the animal 
be kept in slings just as long as is possible. 
How long should the bandage be kept on ? 
As long as possible within a period of two months ; it may 
be necessary to reapply. 
If the animal is kept in slings the limb may be kept 
