472 THE HORSE. 
perhaps it may be asserted that it is now more frequently passed 
over when it really exists, than the reverse. It generally is seated in 
the serratus magnus, or pectoralis transversus muscles, but it may also 
occur in the triceps, or, indeed, in almost any of the muscles around the 
shoulder joint. The symptoms are very peculiar, and cannot well be 
mistaken by a careful observer who has once seen a case of shoulder 
lameness. In all other kinds (except the knee), the limb is freely moved 
while in the air, and no pain is expressed until the foot is about to touch 
the ground ; but here the lameness is greatest while the knee is being 
protruded, and the limb is swung forward sideways, in a circular 
manner, which gives an expression of great imbecility. It also occa- 
sions great pain when the foot is lifted and drawn forward by the hand, 
just as in rheumatism of the part (already described at page 467). When 
the serratus magnus has been strained by a fall from a drop leap, or the 
pectoralis transversus by a slip, causing the legs to be widely separated, 
there is often great obscurity in the case ; but the history of the acci- 
dent will generally assist in forming a correct diagnosis. The ¢treat- 
ment in the early stage will consist in bleeding from the plate vein, to the 
extent of five or six quarts of blood, followed by fomentations with hot 
water, if there is much heat and swelling, and giving a dose of physic as 
soon as. the bowels will bear it. When the heat has disappeared, or a 
once, if there is none, apply the embrocation described at page 471; and 
if this does not produce relief, add to it one quarter of its bulk of tincture 
of cantharides. 
STRAINS OF THE KNEE. 
THE KNEE, unlike its analogue in the human subject (the wrist), is 
seldom strained in the horse, in consequence of the strong ligaments which 
bind the bones of the carpus together. Still it sometimes happens that 
the internal lateral ligaments are overstretched, or, in calf-kneed horses, 
the posterior common ligaments, or that connecting the scaphoid with the 
pisiform bone, or probably all these will suffer from over extension. The 
accident may be recognised by the heat and swelling of the part affected, 
as well as by the pain given on using the jomt. The anterior ligaments 
are seldom strained, but are liable to injury from blows received in various 
ways. The treatment should be conducted on the same principles as those 
of strains in the shoulder. Cold applications will seldom do anything 
but harm in the early stage ; but after hot fomentations have relieved the 
active mischief, by encouraging the effusion of serum into the surrounding 
cellular membrane, the former may be used with advantage. When the 
heat and other signs of active inflammation have disappeared, the bin- 
iodide of mercury ointment may be rubbed in, avoiding the back of the 
joint. (See page 456.) 
STRAIN OF THE FETLOCK. 
THIS ACCIDENT shows itself at once, in consequence of the superficial 
nature of the joint, by swelling, heat, soreness to the touch, and lameness. 
It may be very slight or very severe, but in the latter case it is generally 
complicated by strain of the back sinews, or suspensory ligament. ‘The 
treatment will be precisely on the same plan as for strain of the knee. 
When the anterior ligaments of the fetlock joint are strained and inflamed, 
as so often happens with racehorses, the condition is known as “shin 
sore.” 
