CHAPTER VII. 

 DETECTION OF LAMENESS— DISEASES OF BONE. 



Detection of Lameness. 



380. Lameness. — Lameness is any irregularity in the gait. 



381. Classification of lameness.— Lameness is divided into 

 two classes: 



(a) Suinging-leg lameness, which is shown by a shortened stride 

 and more or less dragging of the leg. Seen in diseased and injured 

 muscles. 



(6) Supporting-leg lameness, shown when the leg supports the 

 weight of the body. This form occurs in diseases and injuries of 

 bones, tendons, ligaments, and the foot. 



382. Severe lameness is readily recognized, even when the 

 animal is at rest. Distinct symptoms, such as pointing or frequently 

 raising the injured limb, are usually seen, the animal's instinct 

 leading him to place the affected part in a position to relieve the 

 pain. 



383. Examination for lameness. — In making an examination 

 for lameness, the animal, having free use of his head, should be 

 led at a slow trot toward and from the observer. Too short a hold 

 on the halter shank prevents free play of the muscles concerned in 

 locomotion. 



In examining the lame limb, place it in its natural position and in- 

 spect its various parts both with the hand and eye, comparing them 

 carefully with those of the sound leg for the purpose of detecting 

 differences in shape, size, temperature, and sensitiveness to touch 

 and pressure. 



In all cases examine the foot thoroughly and carefully, removing 

 the shoe if necessary. Heat, pain, and swelling are valuable guides 

 in the detection of lameness. The hoof tester or pinchers, carefully 

 and gently employed, is useful in locating injuries of the foot. 



384. Lame in one fore leg. — When lame in one fore leg, the 

 right one, for instance, the head nods (drops) more or less when 

 weight is put on the left fore leg, while the head jerks up at the 

 moment the right leg (the lame one) is placed upon the ground. 

 Hence, the head of the lame animal always nods when the foot of the 

 sound leg is placed on the ground. 



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