ii8 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 



there is an exaggerated abduction of the limb to ease the tension on the 

 tendon and the pressure on the bursa. Palpation will reveal a swelling 

 of the part, in which there is much heat, and which is very tender to the 

 touch. When the affection is principally a bursitis, the bursa enlarges 

 considerably, and the enlargement is evident from the appearance of 

 bulgings of the sac on either side of the tendon. 



Rest and cold applications are usually effective in treating the 

 affection. 



THE TENDON OF ORIGIN OF THE BICEPS AND ITS 

 BURSA 



This is one of the thickest and most powerful tendons in the body. 

 It is necessary that it should be so, on account of the enormous strain 

 thrown upon it each time the limb is drawn forwards in progression. 

 The tendon arises from the coracoid process. Its anterior surface is 

 convex in the transverse and vertical directions, but its posterior 

 surface presents a most peculiar conformation, since it is moulded 

 on to the bicipital groove of the humerus. Consequently there are 

 present on the tendon two vertical elevations, separated by a vertical 

 groove for adaptation respectively to the grooves and ridge on the 

 humerus. 



The bicipital groove is covered by a smooth layer of cartilage, and 

 to the edge of the cartilage-covered surface there is attached a synovial 

 bursa which is reflected on to the sides and posterior aspect of the 

 tendon. 



The exposed position of the tendon and its underlying bursa renders 

 them very liable to injury. They are at the point of the shoulder, and 

 are protected only by the mastoido-humeralis muscle, which is here 

 much thinner and more expanded than elsewhere. It will thus be 

 understood that any blow or injury received over the point of the 

 shoulder may very readily set up inflammation of the tendon and its 



