CUTTING OF THE FETLOCK. 123 



rally occasioned by frequent and severe sprains, brought on 

 by cruel and oppressive treatment, in forcing the animal to 

 pull more than his physical energies can accomplish, without 

 a desperate effort. 



Remedies. — It seldom happens that an effectual remedy 

 can be found for this complaint, because it is generally 

 accompanied by ulceration within the joints, as well as of 

 the membrane with which the cartilage is lined ; and even 

 the cartilage itself is affected, which is inaccessible to any 

 remedial treatment. 



SPRAIN OF THE FETLOCK. 



The fetlock-joint is peculiarly liable to injuries, from its 

 being the principal situation of action below the knee. In 

 sprains of the back-sinew, accompanied by inflammation, 

 which is usually the case, inflammation is generally induced 

 in this also. And many of the sprains which are supposed 

 to belong to higher portions of the limbs are, in fact, affec- 

 tions of this joint. 



Symptoms. — It is no easy matter to distinguish affections 

 of the fetlock from those situate in the superior portions of 

 the limb. Pressure by the finger on the part, and heat, are 

 the surest tests for finding out the seat of this complaint. 



Treatment. — Strong blisters applied with promptitude 

 are the most effectual means of removing sprain of this 

 joint ; and afterwards bandages of flannel should be used. 



CUTTING OF THE FETLOCK. 



The inside of the fetlock-joint is frequently bruised or 

 cut by the shoe of the opposite foot. This depends some- 

 times upon natural defects in the form of the leg and foot ; 

 and in such a case it is seldom that a remedy can be 

 devised ; such as when the limbs are placed too near each 



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