THE outside OF THE HIND LEG, DISPLAYING
THE VESSELS NATURAL TO THAT PART OF
THE LIMB WHICH IS COMMONLY THE SEAT
OF OSSEOUS DEPOSITS.
Having explained the peculiarity attending some bony tumors on the hind extremity, it now becomes our duty to explain what actually constitutes a spavin. Any bony growth or bony enlargement, however small, which is to be seen or felt upon the inner side of the hock, is a "spavin." But of spavins there are three kinds. The low sort, or the "Jack" of the horse-dealer's phraseology. This answers to the splint of the fore leg, and originates in the top of the splint bone.
A SHIN-BONE HAVING AN OSSEOUS DEPOSIT UPON
ITS HEAD AND ON THE INNER SIDE, WHICH
MIGHT BE A SPLINT OR A SPAVIN, AS IT OCCURRED
UPON THE FORE OR HIND LEG.
THE INNER SIDE OF THE HOCK AFFLICTED
WITH HIGH OR INCURABLE
SPAVIN.
The bony enlargement, should it be located comparatively high upon the joint, often produces acute and incurable lameness. When low down, the granules of bone have little to interfere with. Being placed higher up, the tendons have to play over the osseous deposit; and, when that happens, the cure is hopeless.
The above form of disease, however, does not ensue upon every case of spavin. Many good racers, and most seasoned hunters, have spavins, which do not in any way detract from their speed, however much these growths may interfere with their action.
THE NATURAL POSITION OF THE HEALTHY FOOT
WHEN RAISED FROM THE EARTH DURING AN
EASY TROT.