SPRAINS OF TENDONS AND LIGAMENTS OP THE FOKE-LEG. 341 



G86. Treatment of sprains of Tendons and Ligaments. 



From similarity of the cause producing the injury, and likewise from 

 similarity of organisation and structure in all tendons and ligaments, the 

 treatment, which we are called upon to adopt, is in most cases nearly 

 similar. 



The skill of the Veterinaiy surgeon lies more in detecting the exact 

 seat of injury than in the mode of treatment. The really important 

 point is to determine rightly the part of the leg, to which the treatment 

 ought to be applied. For instance, if a horse is lame immediately under 

 the knee from sprain of the metacarpal ligament, the treatment, whatever 

 it may be, will obviously require to be applied to a different part than if 

 the superior sesamoideal ligament were sprained near the fetlock. The 

 most prominent symptom, namely flinching, when the leg comes to the 

 ground and weight is suddenly thrown on it, is, it will be remembered, 

 the same in both cases. 



Many practitioners however get over this difficulty, and veil their 

 ignorance by blistering, firing, or putting in setons all over the affected 

 leg or legs, on the ground, we presume, that if the remedy be applied 

 sufficiently extensively, it must somewhere or other hit upon the injured 

 part. 



The practice is not only unworthy of an educated man, it is not only 

 cruel ; but in part at least it fails in the attainment of its object. The 

 inflammation excited over a very large surface is too diffused to exert as 

 much influence on the injured part, as when its energy is concentrated on 

 the spot which really needs repair. 



We do not say that such treatment is altogether ineffectual. We know 

 that many horses recover and become sound under it, though princi- 

 pally, we think, on account of the amount of time and rest which such 

 treatment necessitates. But we do say, that treatment is more effectual, 

 that the animal suffers less, and is sooner restored to work, when the 

 remedy is applied only to the right place. 



687. Detail of Treatment. 



Premising then the necessity of ascertaining the real seat of the in- 

 jury, we proceed to consider the nature of the treatment to be adopted. 

 This will vary according to the degree, rather than according to the seat 

 of the injury. 



Rest, entire rest, and in severe injuries long-continued rest, is always 

 the great desideratum. All treatment without this great natural restora- 

 tive is useless. Much of the treatment, and indeed all the earlier reme- 

 dies hereafter recommended, such as cold water bandages, fomentations, 

 high-heeled shoes, and the withdrawal of corn, are but the means by 

 which the part and the system may be placed most completely in a state 

 of rest. In the later stages local stimulants or irritants, such as blisters 

 and firing, which can be applied without removing the part out of a state 

 of rest, may be needed and may be beneficial. 



If the injury be slight, a few days' rest aided by the application of a 



