184 DR. LEGEAR'S STOCK BOOK. 



of the ligaments, disease of the suspensory ligament, or of the 

 flexor tendons, whereby they are shortened. Allowing the feet 

 to grow out of shape, poor shoeing, etc., no doubt have a great 

 deal to do with it. 



Treatment. In young foals, treatment is not necessary, as all 

 that need be done is to keep the feet in proper shape and the legs 

 will straighten up in a few weeks' time. In adult animals it may 

 be relieved by shoeing when due to contracted tendons. Shorten 

 the toe of the foot as much as possible, leaving the heels high; 

 or thin the shoe at the toe with thick heels or high calks. On 

 the hind feet put long-heeled shoes with calks. An operation in 

 some cases is indicated, that of dividing (or cutting) the back 

 tendons, between the fetlock and knee, for the purpose of secur- 

 ing relief. Firing and blistering in some instances may effect a 

 cure. 



KNEE-SPBUNG. 



This is a bending forward of the knees, in consequence of 

 contraction of the back tendons. (See Fig. 36.) 



Causes. The causes which may be mentioned are hard and 

 fast work, irregular exercise, as keeping the animal up and feed- 

 ing well for several days, then taking out and driving freely. 

 It is often the result of a hores standing in a stall with a floor 

 sloping from before backwards, especially so when there is a weak 

 conformation of the parts. Overgrowth of hoof, poor shoeing, 

 etc., must be included among the causes. 



Treatment. If it is due to standing on a sloping floor, place 

 the animal on a level surface, or in a stall lower in front than 

 behind. It is considered incurable in old horses, and is liable to 



