INJURIES, ETC., BELOW THE ELBOW. 259 



cases where the swelling extends, involves the head and lips, 

 and danger of death from suffocation becomes imminent. 



INJURIES, Etc., BELOW THE ELBOW. 



Injuries of various kinds in connection with the muscles 

 below the elbow are by no means uncommon, but, as a rule, 

 if the animal is kept quiet, hot or cold applications used, 

 and the various remedial measures adapted to each case 

 employed, recovery takes place ; however, if the animal, as 

 is often the case, be put to work, or is exercised, inflamma- 

 tory action becomes increased, often terminating in suppura- 

 tion of a diffuse character, and the pus may burrow down 

 among the tendons and ligaments and produce the most 

 serious results. 



Symiitums. — The symptoms of diffuse suj)puration are 

 pain, and often swelling ; the animal backs and walks with 

 difficulty. The parts, on handling, are found to be hot and 

 tender, and sometimes fluctuation may be detected. 



Treatment. — The treatment, or proper course to pursue is 

 plainly indicated, but is not always a very easy matter. An 

 incision should be made longitudinally, and sometimes trans- 

 versely as well, with Symmes' abscess-lancet, and the pus 

 allowed to escape. After-treatment as usual. Sometimes 

 there may be sloughing to such an extent as to produce open 

 joint. 



Sprain of the bellies of the muscles sometimes occurs in 

 consequence of slipping, muscular contraction, etc. 



Sijmjjtoms. — The animal has more or less difficulty in 

 flexing and extending the limb. If a flexor alone is 

 sprained, difficulty is shown in flexing the limb, and exten- 

 sion of the limb is performed with difficulty when the 

 affected muscle is an extensor. There may or may not 

 be pain on pressure, but there is usually more or less 

 swelling. 



17—2 



