230 NAVIN ox THE HORSE. 



understand, "stifle," when, in fact, it is his judgment that is 

 at fault. 



Sijini^toms. — Strain of the stifle-joint is not, by any means, so 

 clearly marked as might be supposed. There is very consider- 

 able lameness, the horse being scarcely able to touch the foot 

 to the ground; he carries the leg along with difficulty, but 

 brings his foot forward in the proper way, and places it right, 

 but barely resting it on the toe, or, if the case is not very bad, 

 resting it naturally, but not bearing any weight on it. The 

 above is strain from twist or jerk. Heat, pain, and tenderness 

 will be found on examination of the region of the .stifle-joint by 

 the hand. The patella (knee-pan) Avill be thrown out of place, 

 either to the in or outside. 



Causes. — Sliding on ice, the horse turning awkwardly when 

 running, or any unnatural twisting of the limb, when the weight 

 of the body is unnaturally resting on it. It is always the re- 

 sult of great violence. 



Treatment. — Strain of the stifle-joint can be cured in shorter 

 time by roweling than any other plan of treatment. One rowel 

 put in just below and in front of the joint is generally all that 

 is necessary. But, in a very bad case, two may be required, one 

 on the inside and one on the outside of the joint, and about 

 three inches apart. For the mode of making, inserting, and 

 managing rowels, see the article on "Rowels and Roweling." 



The part might be kept wet with a solution of tincture of 

 arnica, until the inflammation is subdued, and then any re- 

 maining swelling treated by the application of the tincture of 

 iodine, twice a, day; the horse being kept quiet during the 

 treatment. 



STRAIN OF THE FETLOCK. 



The fetlock-joint is made up of the union of the shank-bone, 

 the two sesamoid bones, and the upper pastern-bone. It 

 admits of backward and forward motion, and but very little 



