Spavin

Spavin, a disease of horses, occurs under two different forms, both interfering with soundness. In young, weakly, or overworked subjects the hock-joint is sometimes distended with dark-coloured thickened synovia or joint-oil. This is bog spavin. Fomentations, occasional friction, a laxative diet, and rest should be diligently tried; and if such remedies prove unsuccessful the swelling must be dressed with strong blistering ointment or fired. The second variety of spavin is the more common. Towards the inside of the hock, at the head of the shank-bone, or between some of the small bones of the hock, a bony enlargement may be seen and felt. This is bone spavin. At first there is tenderness, heat, swelling, and considerable lameness; but as the inflammation in the bone and its investing membrane abates the lameness may entirely disappear, or a slight stiffness may remain. In recent and slight cases cold water should be applied continuously; but in serious cases, when the part is swollen and tender, hot fomentations are best. For several days they must be perseveringly employed. When the part is again cool and free from pain an iodide of mercury or fly-blistre should be applied, and the animal treated to three months' rest in a small paddock, the end of a barn, or a roomy loose-box. In persistent cases firing or setoning usually gives much relief.