THE AIIMY HORSE. 57 



torn in serious cases, causing intlanimation and subsequent con- 

 traction, and, in case of muscles, atrophy or sweeny (wasting 

 away). 



Strains of the //lascles. 



y 



Muscle strains occur in various parts of the trunk and limbs; 

 thus, a horse may strain the neck nniscles, as a result of falling 

 on the head ; the nniscles of the th)rsal region may be strained 

 by the hind feet slipping backward. When a muscle is strained 

 the injury is succeeded by pain, swelling, heat, and loss of 

 function. 



An inflamed muscle can no longer contract; hence in some 

 strains the symptoms resemble those of paralysis. 



Sprains oj the suspensory ligament and -flexor tendons. 



The fibrous structures situated behind the cannon bone, both 

 in the front and hind legs, are often the seat of lacerations or 

 sprains resulting from violent efforts or sudden jerks. The 

 injury is easily recognized by the changed appearance of the 

 parts (Plate X, Fig. 3), which become more or less swollen; 

 the swelling usually extending from the knee down to the fet- 

 lock and occasionally even farther. It is always characterized 

 by heat and is variously sensitive, ranging from a mere tender- 

 ness to a degree of soreness which shrinks from the lightest 

 touch. The degree of lameness corresponds to the severity of 

 the injury. 



Sprains of Tir/aments. 



The calcaneo-cuboid ligament, situated at the back part of 

 the hock and uniting the calcaneum, the cuboid, and the ex- 

 ternal splint bones, is frequently sprained. This condition is 

 known as a "cwr^" (Plate X, Fig. 1). 



The various ligaments entering into the formation of joints 

 are subject to sprains and injuries. This condition is indicated 

 by lameness, accompanied by pain, heat, and swelling. 



The capsular ligament when sprained very often becomes 

 weakened, resulting in distention of the synovial sac (Plate X, 

 Fig. 2). Bursal enlargements receive different names, accord- 

 ing to their location. B(><j spann is a characteristic bursal en- 

 larcrement. It is found on the front and inner side of the hock 

 joint and varies in size with the amount of distention of the 

 capsular ligament. The trouble is usually caused by slipping. 



