474 THE HORSE. 
tendons are enlarged, hot, and tender, and there is great lameness, the 
horse having the power to flex the joints below the knee, but resolutely 
objecting to extend them, by bearing what little weight is unavoidable 
upon his toe. The case is often confounded with a “break down,” but 
it may readily be distinguished by the fact that in the latter the jointr 
give way on putting the weight upon them, whilst in mere strains they 
do not, and the tendency is to the opposite extreme. Frequently after « 
bad strain of the flexor tendons, the fetlock is “over shot,” or beyond the 
upright, in consequence of the continued flexion of the joint, to prevent 
pressure upon the injured fibres, and in the management this result should 
be carefully guarded against. The injary is generally confined to the 
sheath of the tendons, which in most cases gradually puts on an inflam- 
matory condition for some time before actual lameness is observed. In 
bad cases, however, the ligamentous fibres which are given off by the 
posterior carpal ligament to the flexor tendons are ruptured, greatly increas- 
ing the amount of inflammation and subsequent loss of strength. In any 
case the tendon feels spongy, and slightly enlarged, and there is more or less 
soreness on pressure and on being trotted, but in the latter case exercise 
removes the tenderness, and very often temporarily causes an absorption 
of the effused fluid, which is again deposited during rest. This state of 
things goes on for a time, the groom doing all in his power to alleviate it 
by wet bandages, &c., but at last a severe race or gallop brings on an 
extra amount of inflammation, with or without actual strair sf the fibres 
of the tendon, and then there can be no doubt about the j:ropriety of rest 
and severe treatment. It often happens that both legs are slightly attected, 
but one being more tender than the other, the horse attempts to save it 
by changing legs, the consequence of which is that the comparatively 
sound tendons are.strained, and he returns to his stable with both legs 
in a bad state, but with one of them requiring immediate attention. 
—The treatment should be by local bleeding (from the arm, thigh, or toe), 
followed at first by warm fomentations, and in a few days by cold lotions. 
A high-heeled shoe (called a patten) should be put on the foot, so as to 
allow the horse to rest part of the weight upon the heel without dis- 
tressing the tendon, and this will have a tendency to prevent him from 
over shooting at the fetlock joint, which he will otherwise be very apt to 
do, from constantly balancing his leg on the toe. After three or four days 
the hot fomentations will have done: what is wanted, and a cold lotion 
may be applied by means of a loose linen bandage. The best is composed 
as follows :— 
Take of Muriate of Ammonia £ 0%. 
Wanegar a. 5. We cemomre ee co) & osetia te 
Methylated Spirit of Wine . . . . 4% pint. 
WEEP 0 a o 0 6 0 0 aa 2 quarts. Mix. 
With this the bandage should be kept constantly wet, the application 
being continued for a fortnight at least, during which time the patient 
must be kept cool, by lowering his food, and giving him a dose of physic. 
At the end of three weeks or a month from the accident, the leg 
must be either blistered or fired, the choice depening upon the extent 
of injury, and the desire to avoid a blemish if such a feeling exists. 
The former is the more efficacious plan no doubt, but blistering will 
frequently suffice in mild cases. If, however, the tendons at the end of a 
month continue greatly enlarged, a cure can hardly be expected without 
the use of the “irons.” 
