192 DR. LEGEAR'S STOCK BOOK. 



man. This is rather a rare trouble in the horse, but still we see 

 it quite often. 



Causes. Stifle may be caused by a horse slipping, falling, 

 stepping on a stone that rolls or gives way, especially if the ani- 

 mal is in a weakened condition or suffering from some debilitat- 

 ing disease. Partial stifle is where the litte stifle bone slips par- 

 tially out and in, making a clucking noise at every step, which is 

 often seen in colts, especially those running on hilly pastures. 



Symptoms. Stifled is an affection which when once seen can 

 be easily told. The little bone (patella) slips to the outside, 

 causing an enlargement on the outside of the stifle joint. But 

 the most noticeable symptom is the position and action of the 

 leg. The foot is extended backward and the animal can't bring 

 it forward. The stifle bone (patella) serves as a pully to the 

 hind leg, and when once out of place the leg can't be brought 

 forward until the stifle bone is put back or flies back in its place. 

 In "partial stifle" there is a peculiar stiffness of the hind leg, 

 and a clucking noise is noticed at every step, which is produced 

 by the stifle bone slipping in and out of its socket. 



Treatment. The treatment is not difficult, and as a rule is 

 successful, if properly carried out. The first thing to do is to put 

 the stifle bone back in place, which is done by tying a rope around 

 the foot of the affected leg and letting one man stand in front 

 of the animal and gently pull on the rope, while you press in on 

 the stifle bone or enlargement on the outside of the stifle, when 

 the bone will slip back in place with a clicking sound. In some 

 cases, by exciting the animal, as by whipping, causing him to 

 move suddenly, etc., the bone may fly back into, place and the 

 animal have free use of the leg until it slips out again. When 

 once in position keep it there by tying the foot so it can't extend 

 backwards, and bathe the stifle thoroughly with warm water, and 



