DISEASES OF THE HORSE 77 



four ounces ; Pulv. Gentian Root, four ounces ; Sulphate 

 of Iron, two ounces. Make into sixteen capsules and give 

 one capsule three times daily. 



STIFLE JOINT LAMENESS 



(Dislocation of the Patella) 



Although dislocations are infrequent, this is the most 

 common form which occurs in the horse. 



Cause: Young loose jointed horses are predisposed 

 to dislocation of the stifle on account of the comparative 

 want of strength of their ligaments. They are much 

 more liable to this accident than older horses, especially 

 if they are in poor health or in rough hilly pastures ; the 

 nature of which would naturally make them susceptible 

 to this injury, which, however, may take place as a result 

 of accident at any age. Young horses that suffer, off 

 and on from dislocation, often lose their liability with 

 increasing strength and age. This dislocation may be 

 partial or complete. In the former instance and the most 

 common is where the patella, or the little stifle bone that 

 glides in the groove composed of the lower hip and upper 

 thigh bones, has become partially dislocated or removed 

 from its natural position. 



Symptoms: When the dislocation is complete the af- 

 fected limb is drawn forward, while the foot from the 

 pastern down is drawn backward, and the animal may 

 throw weight on it when made to move, which is accom- 

 plished with great difficulty. When the dislocation is 

 partial, the symptoms are about the same as mentioned, 

 only the limb is less rigid. If the horse is moved, the 

 stifle makes a klick sound. In this form, you may have 

 both limbs affected. 



Tkeatment: In partial dislocation, the stifle bone 

 may be replaced by drawing the leg forward, and with 

 the hand pressing in on the stifle. In complete disloca- 

 tion, tie a rope around the pastern of the affected leg, 

 then draw the rope through a collar placed around the 



