346 



CYCLOPEDIA OF LIVE STOCK AND COMPLETE STOCK DOCTOR. 



In long-standing cases the tendons become so contracted as to render a 

 return to a natural position an impossibility ; in such cases tenotomy is 

 sometimes practiced to advantage. A small opening is made in the skin 

 about midway between the knee and fetlock ; a small blade is run in, 

 edgeways, and through to the skin on the opposite side, but not through 

 it ; then turn the edge up and cut off the tendons, stopping before the 

 gkin is cut above them, being careful not to injure the suspensory liga- 

 ments. If they are severed, the animal is useless and might as well be 

 destroyed. To perform the operation, a knowledge of the anatomy of 

 the parts is necessary ; hence it is advisable always, when possible, to 

 employ a competent veterinary surgeon. 



VII. WindgaUs. 



The tendons, iis they pass down the back of the leg, are covered with a 

 sheath moistened with synovia ; and where they pass over the fetlock 



WINDGALLS. 



Showing situation and form* 

 of WindgaUs. 



CAPPED HOCK. 



WINDGALLS. 

 As they appear upon dissection. 



joint are synovial burste, to prevent friction ; there is also synovia between 

 the tendons to prevent them from rubbing against each other. When, 

 from hard work, tlie membranes secreting the synovia become irritated, 

 they are excited to secrete more than their natural (piantity, and the ac- 

 cumulation of it forms the soft, puffy swellings around the fetlocks, either 

 fore or hind. They are always caused by work. 



It is an old, popular idea that these swelling are filled with air, hence 

 the name. They seldom cause lameness, except in the early stage, or in 

 the very last stage, when they become ossified ; in the first stage the lame- 

 ness soon passes off ; in the last it is permanent. 



How to know it. — Soft, puffy swellings appear after considerable work, 

 around the fetlock. They are usually the size of your thumb, l)ut in 

 some cases they grow to the size of a hen's egg. 



