Why was not the swelling removed with the knife, when the kindly nature of the growth had been ascertained? For good and sufficient reasons. No operation could, with the slightest prospect of success, be hazarded. In the first place, nature is apt to resent the loss of so large a substance, or, in other words, although the surgery may be perfect, the life, from some unexplained cause, is likely to depart before the operation is finished. In the next place, most bland tumors, when of magnitude, are of a semi-cartilaginous nature, and spring either from tendon or from bone—usually from the latter. This tumor impeded the action; hence it was inferred that the substance ramified among the fibers of the pectoral muscles. Those fibers are large, and are divided; they present interspaces, between which the abnormal growth might readily penetrate. Now, unless every portion of the tumor were excised, the enlargement would sprout again, and the surgeon would be disgraced. To remove the pectoral muscle of a man, would be esteemed of little consequence, so that the life was preserved. But the limbs of the horse constitute the value of the creature's existence and to disable these from being safely moved, would be to return a burdensome life to the proprietor. Therefore that which is compatible with human surgery could not be entertained in veterinary science.
A tumor may be small and soft, yet it must be respected. It may be hard, or even ulcerated and large, still its excision may be readily accomplished. The majority of these growths which appear upon the horse, however, are not malignant. Nevertheless, let every man consult some duly qualified veterinarian of experience before he resorts to measures which, possibly, may lead to the acutest regret.
One caution must be given before the subject is concluded. Gray horses, which have grown paler with age, or have become white, are liable to an incurable and malignant disease termed melanosis, which hereafter will be fully described. The presence of this disorder is generally testified by the appearance of some external tumor. Unless that enlargement be of great size and admirably situated for removal, it on no account should be interfered with. Let, therefore, every light-gray or white horse having a tumor be submitted to some experienced judgment, and let the owner be guided by the opinion he receives.
SWOLLEN OR FILLED LEGS.
These are one of the most common troubles of the stable; the coachman is very apt to complain piteously that in the morning he is sure to find such and such a horse with the legs filled. Commonly the hinder limbs below the hock are thus affected; sometimes the fore legs below the knee will be involved. The coachman mostly bandages the parts. In mild cases this resort may answer; but in bad instances the leg above the bandage is apt to enlarge. The cloth or flannel, before applied, should be wetted; this, however, affords but a temporary relief; the wet often causes the hair to curl, and the uniformity of the appearance is thereby spoiled. After some time, the bandage frequently leaves its impress upon the leg, and it is astonishing how long in peculiar cases this impress will continue.
THE HORSE'S LEG OF A NATURAL SIZE.
THE HORSE'S LEG WHEN FILLED.