io6 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 



In cases of knuckling due to contracted tendons resulting from chronic 

 sprain the operation of tenotomy is performed. The operation is de- 

 scribed in the chapter dealing with the tendons. 



FETLOCK LAMENESS 



Lameness at the fetlock may be due to a variety of injuries, such 

 as inflammation of the sesamoid bones or sheaths, fracture of the 

 sesamoid bones, sprain of the suspensory ligament, &c. These affections 

 are treated in the chapters dealing with these structures. 



Frequently lameness is due to a blow on the joint, particularly when 

 received on the lateral aspect over the course of the plantar nerve, or the 

 joint may be wrenched or sprained by the animal slipping on greasy 

 streets, which is a very common cause, treading on loose stones, or when 

 jumping or cantering. 



When the joint is sprained, it becomes swollen, particularly at 

 the back and sides. It is hot and painful to the touch, and the animal 

 has an inclination to stand straight on the pastern. This position eases 

 the tension on the tendons and ligaments at the back of the joint. 



Independently of these causes, there is another form of fetlock lame- 

 ness which is by no means uncommon, and yet is very indefinite in its 

 nature. It is peculiar to young animals, particularly hunters in the 

 height of the season, and is designated fetlock iveaktiess. In these cases 

 lameness is slight, but attention is drawn to the fetlock by the fact that 

 the joint is hot and swollen. 



Old bruises are commonly met with on the front of the joint in old 

 horses. In these cases it will frequently be found that the animal does 

 not lie down, and that the bruise is due to his falling whilst asleep. 



In cases of fetlock lameness, prognosis should always be very guarded, 

 since many cases are incurably lame in spite of treatment. 



Wrenching of the joint is usually very hopeful, and is treated by 



