STRINGHALT. 217 



same phenomena. Thus Ave speak of strangulation of the 

 bowels from rupture, and of the glottis or head of the 

 wind-pipe, when, from some cause or other, it is closed. 

 Death of the horse is the result, if no opening be made 

 lower down in the v/ind-pipe, to admit atmospheric air. 

 Stricture is that condition of the wind-pipe or glottis 

 which when contracted or pressed upon by enlargement of 

 the glands of the neck, or thickening of its own membranes, 

 diminishes the space or width of its calibre, giving rise to 

 thick Avind and increased breathing and cough. 



Stringhalt. — This is an aiiection of the hind leg, and 

 is known from the peculiar way in Avhich the hind leg or 

 legs are raised from the ground — a quick, spasmodic jerk. 



Causes. These are two fold. First. The loss of nervous 

 influence, whereby the extensor pedis muscle — and possibly 

 some others — is deprived of its proper power. Second. 

 The peculiar anatomical articulation and general structure 

 of the hock-joint of the horse are such that when the leg 

 of a dead horse is stripped of its muscles the ligaments 

 are not disturbed at all ; and if the legs above and below 

 the hock be caught hold of by the hands, and the leg 

 straightened out, tlie moment the hands are taken from it, 

 it will spring into a bent position, thereby imitating string- 

 halt, as near as can be. Thus the balance of power is not 

 equal ; the articulary ligaments of the hock are stronger 

 than the muscles of the thigh. Hence, the moment the 

 horse lifts his foot from the ground, the leg is snatched up 

 by the power of the articulating ligaments. 



Treatment. Restore the lost nervous influence; thereby 

 the muscles of the thigh are to be brought into healthy 

 action. This will best be done by good feeding, and one 

 grain of stryclniia nux vomica given daily, for six weeks, 

 in the horse's feed. 



