CHAPTER VIL 



jiiaS OF THE HORSE, THEIR ACCIDENTS AND DISEASES, CON- 

 TINUED. 



lo STIFLED. II. niP LAMENESS AND HIPPED. III. STOCKING. IV. ELEPHAN- 

 TIASIS OH LYMPHANGITIS. V. SCRATCHES OR CRACKED HEEL. VI. GREASE. 



VII. MUD FEVER. VIII. FURUNCULUS OR CARBUNCLE. IX. DISLOCATIONS. 



X. WOUNDS. XI. 60RE SHINS. XII. OSTEOPHYTES, FOLLOWING SORE 



SHINS. XIII. PORCELANEOUS DEPOSIT. XIV. STRING HALT. XV. INTER- 

 FERING. XVI. OVERREACHING. XVII. FORGING. XVIII. RUPTURE OF 



MUSCLES. XIX. ATROPHY OF THE MUSCLES. 



I. Stifled. 



The term "stifled" is usually applied to a horse suffering from any 

 derangement of the stifle joint, but properly it is only applicable when 

 there is dislocation of the pulley bone, (the patella). The patella is 

 sometimes thrown out, but not as often as is generally supposed, and al- 

 ways on the outside, there being a ridge or flange of bone on the inside 

 which prevents it going that way. 



The ligaments of the stifle are often sprained, giving rise to lameness 

 more or less severe. 



Causes. — Dislocation is produced by a slip and a twist at the same 

 time, the weight probably being upon that leg at the time ; the animal re. 

 covers from the slip and finds himself with the leg as far back as it can be 

 got, having carried the body forward on it, and when ready to bring th«j 

 leg forward he is unable to move it. The leg remains protruding back- 

 ward until help comes to relieve the awkward situation. 



Sprains are caused in the same way, but to a less extent. 



How to know it. — Dislocation is recognized by the position of the leg 

 as described above, with inability to move it forward. The horse can be 

 made to back, but he will swing himself back over the injured leg with- 

 out raising it off the ground. The other legs are moved all right, but 

 this one remains with the foot in one position as if riveted to the 

 ground. 



Lameness from sprains is recognized by a labored action in carrying the 

 leg forward ; the leg is carried farther forward than in health, and is 

 swung outward, flexing the stifle as little as possible. When made to 

 trot, all symptoms are exaggerated. Upon a careful examination with the 

 hand there will be found a thickening around the ligaments and soreness 

 upon pressure. When brought to a standstill he will rest the leg. 



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