_Spavin_ is like splint, a bony excrescence, but on the lower part of the leg, at the inside of the _hock_ towards the front, occasioned by local derangement from overwork of the structure.
If it does not produce lameness it had better be left alone; but otherwise, the horse being placed in a loose-box, rest should be given, and treatment with absorbents (page 159), the use of Stevens’s ointment, &c., persisted in. A mild purge or two during the process will be beneficial.
As in nearly all affections of the legs and feet, proper reasonable work and due care will avert the disease or disfigurement.
_Curb_ is an enlargement of the tendon or its sheath at the lower part of the back of the hock, with a good deal of local inflammation attending it.
It is greatly occasioned by the fashion some riders have of habitually throwing their horses back on their hocks by severe use of the bit.
Use water-dressing to reduce inflammation, then absorbents, such as Stevens’s ointment (page 159). Give rest, &c., as directed for Spavin.
_String-Halt_ is a well-known and only too conspicuous defect or affection of the nerves of the hind limbs, or emanating from the spine.
As its local origin is obscure, so also is the method of dealing with it.
It is in no way dangerous, though unsightly, and seriously deteriorating to the value of the animal, although it is said not to interfere much with his working powers.
_Capped Hock_ is a pursy swelling over the _os calcis_ or heel-bone at the end of the hock, generally produced by kicking either in the stable or against some object in harness, or possibly in consequence of exertion in getting up and lying down on a scanty bed, especially where the paving-stones are uneven.
Use hot fomentations, loose water-dressing, followed by rubbing in iodine ointment, if necessary, for reduction, but this must be done with judgment and careful observance of the effect the iodine produces. Or, after using hot fomentations for a week, apply gas water (which can be obtained from any gas-works) with a sponge dabbed on every hour during the day. This treatment, if persisted in, is said to be very efficacious.
For prevention, keep a good bed for your horse to lie on at night. See “Kicking in the Stable” (page 85) and “Kicking-Strap” (page 58).