STIFLE-JOINT LAMENESS. 



37 



PATELLA, OR WHIKLBONE 

 DISPLACED. 



STIFLE-JOINT LAMENESS. This is not one of very common occur- 

 rence, but occurs occasionally in colts kept on uneven ground, which in- 

 duces dislocation of the stifle, or patella, which slips off from the round- 

 ed heads of the bones when the horse steps. 



It sometimes occurs in horses which are kept on bad food, or in those 

 which are constitutionally weak. 



Symptoms. The horse stops sud- 

 denly and extends one of the hind legs 

 backwards. The pastern is flexed 

 and the head raised, as shown in 

 the engraving, and there is a swelling 

 upon the outer side of the pastern, with 

 great pain. It sometimes occurs in 

 colts on the slightest cause. 



Treatment. Any flurry may restore 

 the bone to its proper place, in colts, 

 but for cases which do not become re- 

 placed, in colts or horses, get into a 

 shed and fix a rope to the pastern as 

 shown in the engraving, and throw the other end over a beam. Then 

 while one person pulls the leg upward and forward, another should stand 

 by the quarters and 

 push the dislocated 

 patella inward with 

 both hands. Feed 

 well and give the 

 horse 5 or 6 weeks' 

 rest, or place him 

 in a level pasture, 

 and have him shod, 

 with a piece of iron 

 projecting from the 

 toe, especially if 

 the toe has been 

 worn off. Apply 

 Kendall's Spavin 

 Cure over the the manner of replacing the patella. 

 stifle, as directed for spavin, to remove the soreness and pain. 



SWEENEY. {Atrophy.) This is a wasting away of the muscles of 

 the shoulder, and is said to be caused by some disease in the foot or leg. 



Treatment. Treat any disease found in the foot or leg as directed in 

 other parts of this book. Apply to the shoulder soft soap with a little 

 salt added, four or five times a week, and rub well. 



