442 CLINICAL VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



the trochlea, and become fixed in that position. The upper border of 

 the patella then inclined forwards, and the bone itself slipped outwards 

 to the extent of nearly an inch over the outer condyle of the femur. 

 When the patella was replaced, the above-named ligaments appeared 

 relaxed. The continued pressure of the lower border of the patella on 

 the femur had caused absorption of the articular cartilage, and the 

 formation in it of a distinct depression which corresponded to the shape 

 of the under surface of the patella. 



" Efforts were made during life to fix the patella in position by 

 means of a dressing, but had to be given up on account of its causing 

 inflammation and necrosis. A broad strap was therefore passed round 

 both stifles and fastened to the slings. 



" A splint was so applied to the tibia as to exercise pressure on the 

 outer surface of the patella, but proved unsatisfactory, though after 

 eight days of this treatment the horse could stand and even walk some 

 steps without assistance. Previously it had been unable to make a single 

 step. The experiment was unfortunately cut short by the animal suc- 

 cumbing to another disease." 



Mr. Jno. A. W. Dollar's case, Veterinarian, 1895, p. 248. 



OSSIFICATION OF THE TENDON OF THE SEMI-TENDINOSUS 



MUSCLE. 



147. A five-year-old pony, which for several months had been 

 suffering from lameness of the off hind limb, entered hospital May 5th, 

 1893. 



State on Examination. — At rest the appearance of the lame limb was 

 in no way abnormal. On examination the middle line and inner sur- 

 face of the lower portion of the buttock showed a little swelling. A 

 bony slightly prominent patch, which previously had been overlooked, 

 could be felt. When moving, not only did the animal show lameness 

 but the limb was abnormally flexed, and at the moment when this 

 spasmodic contraction occurred the tendon of the semi-tendinosus 

 muscle appeared unusually prominent. When caused to move backwards 

 the animal brought the foot violently to the ground, and abducted the 

 limb. 



Diagnosis. — -Ossification of the fascia of the thigh, and, without 

 doubt, of the tendon of the ischio-tibialis. The only hopeful treat- 

 ment consisted in removing the bony tumour. This operation was 

 suggested to, and accepted by, the owner. 



The operation was performed with the usual antiseptic precautions. 

 The bony patch penetrated more deeply than had been thought on 

 clinical examination. A drain was introduced to the bottom of the 

 wound, and fixed at the surface by a suture. The lips of the wound 

 were brought together by interrupted silk sutures. 



During the following days some sutures yielded, and the wound 

 suppurated. It was not entirely healed until the end of a month, but 

 after the third week the animal walked sound. On leaving hospital it 

 was again able for work. 



Seen on two subsequent occasions — the first time eight months, 



