bog spavin. If there is inflammation present or the articulation is
injured, lameness occurs. The soft swelling that characterizes the bog
spavin is most prominent toward the inside and front of the region. In the
upper portion or hollow of the hock, and on the inside and outside, there
may be a second enlargement. Smaller enlargements may be present in other
regions. All of the swellings feel soft, and pressure on any one of them
moves the fluid present in the others.

_The treatment_ is directed at the removal of the lameness. Acute
inflammation resulting from spavin may be relieved by cold applications and
rest. Chronic lameness should be given the same treatment as recommended
for bone spavin. The enlargement can be successfully removed in growing
colts by the repeated application of mild blisters. It may be necessary to
continue the treatment for several months. The removal of the enlargement
in adult horses by an operation is recommended. The _greatest caution_ is
required in performing this operation.

CAPPED HOCK.--All swellings on the point of the hock are termed "capped
hock." The swellings may be due to an injury to the skin and the
subcutaneous tissue, or more important structures may be involved, as the
subcutaneous bursa, the tendon, or the synovial bursa or sack.

Capped hock is _caused_ by the animal kicking in the stall or in harness,
shipping in freight cars and lack of bedding in the stall. Unless the
deeper structures are bruised and inflamed the animal shows no lameness.

_The character_ of the enlargement varies. When the injury is superficial,
the swelling feels firm, or pits on pressure. Later it may become more firm
and feel like a loose, thickened, fibrous cap for the hock. Soft,
fluctuating swellings are due to an inflammation of the bursa. Recent