96 CAUSES OF UNSOUNDNESS. 



position is thought to play an important part 

 in the production of splint, but the chief exciting 

 causes appear to be unequal distribution of 

 pressure, and concussion. 



Sprain of the Back Tendons. 



Running down the back of the leg are two very 

 important tendons, known as the flexor pedis 

 perforans and flexor pedis perforatus ; also a stout 

 ligament — the suspensory — all of which structures 

 are, not uncommonly, the seat of sprain, either 

 recent or old. A horse may be perfectly sound 

 at the moment of purchase, but become unsound 

 on its way home through sprain in this region, 

 and the buyer will have to put up with it. A 

 recent spram is indicated by increased heat, 

 lameness, pain on manipulation of the part, 

 and by swelling. But a good deal of care is 

 necessary not to confuse swelling, extending up 

 the leg, from an injury of the foot, with that 

 of sprain of the tendons, etc., as not un- 

 commonly happens. To obviate this, the shoe 

 should be removed and the foot thoroughly ex- 

 amined. An old sprain is denoted by thickening 

 of the tendon, without any of the acute signs. A 

 dispute may arise as to the duration of lameness 



