232 :navix ox the horse. 



the inside with a mucous secretion to prevent friction of the 

 tendons working in it. 



There are two ways in which this sheath may be injured, 

 causing inflammation in it. The first, called slam or check, is 

 produced by the foot being brought down with great force on 

 hard ground, in rapid movement, thus quickly extending the 

 cords, wliieli are relaxed when the foot is raised, causing injury 

 of the sheath. The other way inflammation is produced in 

 the sheath is by long continued overwork. 



When inflammation takes place, an increased and altered 

 secretion is thrown out within the sheath, around the tendon. 

 This coagulates and becomes an organized structure, uniting 

 the tendon with the wall of the sheath, which greatly interferes 

 M'ith the movement of the tendons, making it difficult and painful. 



Sipnptoms. — This injury is very easily detected in a clean- 

 limbed horse by the heat, sw^elling, and pain of the part on 

 pressure, and the lameness, which will correspond with the 

 degree of the inflammation and tenderness present. Some- 

 times the slightest movement will cause the most intense pain. 

 In a horse with coarse, hairy limbs and thick skin, a little 

 more care in examining the leg with the hand may be neces- 

 sary to satisfy the practitioner, or observer, of the nature of the 

 difficulty. When the case is a very bad one, it is sometimes 

 called hreaJcing doivn, but no importance need be attached to 

 this name, as in but very few, even of such cases, are any of 

 the fibers of the tendons or of the sheath broken. It may be 

 remarked that round limbs are more likely to be injured than 

 flat ones, as in the former the IcA^erage is less than in the . 

 latter, and hence there is greater strain on them. 



The hind-leg might be subject to a simihir injury, but it has 

 not so great weight to sustain, is not brought down with so 

 great force, and, from the obliqueness of the limb, such sudden 

 concussion is prevented. 



Treatment. — If the case is seen while inflammation is ]:> res- 

 ent, known by the heat, swelling, and tenderness of the part, 



