SPAVIN-BLOOD
—is a preternatural distension of the vein which runs down the inside of a horse's hock, forming a soft and elastic (or puffy) enlargement, commonly occasioning weakness, if not lameness, of the joint. They are in general produced by sudden twists or strains, in short turns with loads, either in riding or drawing; and not unfrequently by too rapid turning in narrow stalls. The cure is frequently attempted by strong spirituous saturnine repellents, or powerful restringents, with a compress and bandage firmly fixed upon the part: these methods, however, seldom afford more than temporary relief. The former mode of operating, by incision, and instrumental extirpation, is in present practice entirely laid aside; a repetition BLISTER, or slightly FIRING, being the only means relied on to ensure certain obliteration.