274 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



KNUCKLING. 



Knuckling may be described as an unnatural position 

 of the fetlock-joint, which is more or less flexed, caus- 

 ing a correspondingly large protuberance on the an- 

 terior aspect of the joint. It exists as a symptom of 

 disease, and cannot proj^erly be considered as a disease of 

 itself It coexists with contraction of the flexor tendons^ 

 as well as being seen in other conditions. It is rarely that 

 it can be said to be a serious condition, as an animal may 

 knuckle for years, and after death, on dissecting the joint, 

 no visible sign of disease be present in the articulation. 

 It may be caused by overwork without any actual disease 

 being present. Severe pulling, etc., may cause it, hence it 

 is often seen in young horses when first put to work. 

 If the exciting cause be kept up, it becomes habitual ; and 

 where knuckling becomes a habit, it will remain through 

 life. It may occur as a result of irregular exercise, sprain 

 of the ligaments, etc. It occurs most frequently in con- 

 nection with the hind limb. Certain conformation of a 

 limb may predispose an animal. It may occur as a result 

 of debility, etc. 



Treatment. — If of long standing, and the usefulness of the 

 animal is not impaired by the knuckling, the best plan 

 is not to interfere with it, as the chances of success are 

 very small, and especially if the animal be advanced in years. 

 If knuckling occurs as a symptom of disease, of course 

 the cause, and not the symptom, should be treated. Try 

 to get the animal in good condition. A run at grass in the 

 spring or summer is often very beneficial. Cold and 

 astringent applications may sometimes be applied, and 

 followed by a vesicant. 



Dislocation of Fetlock Joint. — Dislocation of the fetlock- 

 joint is a condition of rare occurrence, but may take place- 



