DISEASE OF BONES, JOINTS, ETC* 



Fractures, relaxation of ligaments at, or in juxtaposition 

 to, the joint are amongst such. Amongst colts, the latter 

 appears to be a fairly frequent cause, and can often be cured 

 by bringing the limb forward, and maintaining it here for some 

 months, by means of a cord passed round the neck and fetlock. 

 In every case it is absolutely necessary to feed the animal very 

 liberally, so as to build up the muscular system, thus assisting 

 Nature to strengthen the stifle joint. In most instances it 

 is advisable to consult a veterinary surgeon, because he may 

 consider it necessary to blister, apply a charge, etc. Cramp of 

 the stifle occurs suddenly, and may be confused with slipped 

 stifle. 



INFLAMED HOCKS. 



Wounds are the commonest cause of acute inflammation of 

 the hock joint, frequently giving rise to open joint. (See this). 

 As regards a chronic inflammation, spavin is the usual example 

 of this. (See bone spavin). During an attack of rheumatism, 

 especially in foals, the hock may be the seat of an acute and 

 painful inflammation, likewise the same occurs when the bones 

 of the joint are broken. Swelling of the hock may accompany 

 other diseases and injuries, perhaps through an extension of the 

 inflammation. 



Symptoms. — If due to an injury, such will likely be seen. 

 If the lubricating fluid of the joint (joint oil) is issuing from 

 the wound, it shows that the capsule of the joint has been 

 punctured. Severe lameness, with heat, pain, and swelling 

 may be present, sometimes high fever, the temperature perhaps 

 being io6° Fahr. Abscesses about the joint are of occasional 

 occurrence. Fractured bones at this part are usually ver\^ 

 diflicult to tell. 



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