422 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



manganate of potash is used in solutions of varying strength, and acts more 

 slowly. It has the disadvantage of staining the tissues with which it is 

 brought in contact." — Rose d Carless. 



BROKEN KNEES 



The knee is said to be " broken " when the skin is cut partially or 

 completely through. In the former case it may be of little moment, but 

 in the latter it is always more or less serious, for in addition to the skin, 

 important structures beneath may suffer more or less injury at the same 

 time. The sheaths of the tendons may be opened, the tendons themselves 

 may be lacerated or even divided, the bones may be bruised, or the joint 

 may be contused and punctured. 



Causes. — Forcible contact with the ground as the result of stumbling- 

 is the immediate cause of broken knee. Horses stumble for many and 

 various reasons. Of these, some have reference to conformation and 

 condition, others to weakness, want of energy, or disease, while not a few 

 are the outcome of bad shoeing and neglected feet. Horses with upright 

 pasterns whose toes are turned out, and others with narrow chests whose 

 action is close, are more or less addicted to stumbling, as are also animals 

 wnth heavy heads and fleshy, ill-carried necks. AVant of condition and a 

 natural deficiency of nervous energy likewise conduce to it. Diseases of 

 the feet, especially navicular disease and corns, are often the precursors of 

 broken knees. Animals addicted to brushing or speedy cutting are also 

 rendered liable to fall. Disjoi'oportion in the thickness of the shoes, as 

 when they are unduly high at the heel or the toe, may also lead to 

 stumbling. 



Symptoms. — A broken knee is a very patent defect, but the severity 

 and sei'ious nature of the injury can only be determined by a careful 

 examination of the injured part. The skin may not be completely divided, 

 although the wound is considerable in extent. The lesion, on the other 

 hand, may be comparatively small, but may extend deep down towards or 

 into the joint. In other instances the joint escapes injury altogether, but 

 the tendons beneath the skin are seriously contused and torn, and their 

 sheaths are laid open. 



Tlie amount of lameness present will, of course, depend upon the extent 

 of the injury and the structures involved. A mere skin wound rarely 

 occasions more than a slight stiffness, but any implication of the joint is 

 attended with great pain and disablement, as well as a good deal of general 

 systemic disturbance, and in a less degree the same may be said of injuries 

 affecting the tendons. In injuries to the joint the leg is rested on the toe, 



