MYOSITIS OF THE GLUTEAL MUSCLES 93 



will also be perceptibly shortened. Occasionally the head is displaced 

 downwards and inwards and becomes fixed in the obturator foramen, 

 where it may be felt on exploration through the rectum. 



The treatment consists in casting the animal on the sound side. The 

 patient should then be placed under a general anaesthetic and the limb 

 extended as fully as possible, when eiforts should be made to replace the 

 head of the femur in the acetabulum. The method of replacing depends 

 entirely upon the manner in which the head has been displaced. If the 

 head is displaced upwardly, adduction of the limb with slight rotation is 

 the best method. If the displacement is downwards a thick piece of 

 wood is placed between the thighs and pressed upwards towards the 

 pubic symphysis. Pressure is then applied to the region of the tibia 

 and the proximal epiphysis of the femur thus levered upwards. Whilst 

 this is being done the operator should place his hand over the upper end 

 of the bone and endeavour to bring the articular head over the cotyloid 

 cavity as the assistant pulls the limb backwards and forwards. If successful 

 the head will enter the acetabulum with a loud snap, and that it is in 

 the cavity will be evident from the greater freedom of movement now 

 possessed by the limb. 



The animal should then be placed in slings to prevent a recurrence 

 of the luxation, and complete and prolonged rest prescribed. 



MYOSITIS OF THE GLUTEAL MUSCLES 



Inflammation of these muscles is sometimes the result of a strain 

 through some abnormal effort being thrown upon them. Occasionally 

 it arises as a result of a blow received over the quarter. This is a 

 common cause in colliery ponies, which are particularly exposed to risk 

 of injury to the upper parts of the body through falls of the roofs. At 

 times the muscles are partially ruptured. Severe lameness results and 

 there is evidence of much pain when the parts are palpated. If there 



