INJURIES, ETC., BELOW THE KNEE. 267 



Symptoms. — The symptoms are very plain, and a case 

 once seen insures recognition of all cases subsequently 

 met with. The tendon being shortened causes the 

 animal to stand and walk upon the toe ; the leg has a 

 bowed appearance, and the fetlock knuckles over. The 

 region of the flexor tendons usually has a full appearance, 

 and on manipulation is found soft and full to the touch, 

 instead of being fine, thin, and hard, as in the healthy limb. 

 The animal when standing up or during progression has 

 a groggy, uncertain sort of appearance. Sometimes the con- 

 traction is so great that the poor animal in walking is com- 

 pelled to bring the anterior portion of the wall of the hoof to 

 the ground first, the sole not touching the ground at all, and 

 as time progresses the hoof gradually becomes deformed, until 

 finally it becomes so misshapen as to in nowise bear the 

 slightest resemblance to a foot as it ordinarily appears. 



Treatment. — If any irritation exists in connection with the 

 parts, it should be allayed by the methods usually employed. 

 After the irritation is allayed, counter-irritation in a pretty 

 severe form, if thought necessary, should be employed. The 

 feet should be pared and brought as nearly into their natural 

 shape as possible; and it is good practice in many cases, as 

 in working horses, to apply 'a moderately high-heeled shoe. 

 In the case of thorough-breds the shoes are to be removed 

 altogether. The above treatment will often succeed in 

 mild cases, or cases subjected to treatment immediately it 

 is observed that contraction of the tendon is going on. In 

 severe or long-standing cases, after all irritation is removed, 

 the condition can only be remedied by the operation of 

 tenotomy. The tendon should be severed with the teno- 

 tomy-knife, the adhesions broken down, the limb forcibly 

 straightened, and the animal compelled to move about in his 

 box to prevent recontraction. In congenital contraction 

 the operation is attended with great success. 



