reat exertion, when unnaturally used, as
they are very delicate and complex, they are liable to inflammatory and
other changes of a very serious nature. The synovial membrane, and in fact
the whole structure of the joint, is susceptible to injury and serious
inflammatory derangement, and the capsular ligament is liable to be
distended from excessive secretion of synovia. The latter process may be
almost noninflammatory, and attended with little inconvenience or
importance other than a blemish to the animal, which in cattle is not
serious. It may occur on the back part of the leg above the fetlock or on
the inner and fore part of the hock, corresponding in its location to
windgalls and bog spavin of the horse. Continuous support by bandages will
generally force reabsorption, and as the limb is not subjected to violent
action, as in the case of the horse, the affection is not so liable to
recur.

SPAVIN.

Occasionally working oxen that are used in the lumber woods and made to
pull heavily, with bad footing, are afflicted with this condition. When it
occurs lameness is the first symptom. During the early stages of the
disease the lameness is most severe in the morning, and disappears after
the animal is exercised; it gradually becomes more severe as the disease
advances, so that when the disease is well established the animal is lame
continuously. Shortly after the lameness appears a bunch (exostosis) will
be noticed on the inner and fore part of the affected joint. This bunch
differs from bog spavin in that it is hard, while bog spavin is soft. It
increases in size as the disease advances till the animal is too lame to be
used for labor. As the disease is always attended with considerable pain
there is more or less loss of flesh. In the most advanced stage the animal
will step with difficulty, frequently holding the foot from the ground, or,
if forced to take a few steps, stands with it elevated, twitching with
pain. In the earlier stages of the disease only a small portion of the fore
part of the lower, or second, articulation is involved, but the
inflammatory process gradually extends over the whole surface of the lower
joints of the hock. The structures of the joint are broken down and the
bones are united (anchylosis). This process may include any or all of the
three lower joints of the hock. The joint of motion which is situated on
the lower end of the leg bone is seldom involved.

_Treatment._--Treatment of spav