HIP- JOINT DISEASE. 281 



to walking, or moving about in any wsij. The foot is 

 elevated from the ground and not allowed to descend, 

 unless the animal be forced to move. On moving about or 

 placing any weight upon the affected structure it is easily 

 seen that the animal suffers pain of the most excruciating 

 character, and the pain is increased in proportion to the 

 amount of movement the animal is compelled to perform. 

 Pain of such a severe character is naturally accompanied 

 by pyrexia, well marked, anorexia, which is sometimes 

 partial, but usually complete, followed by great emaciation, 

 and atro^^hy of the muscular tissue in the region of the 

 affected part, and in many cases the animal becomes unable 

 to lie down, or does so only with the greatest difficulty. If 

 the violent symptoms above described do not soon abate, or 

 some signs of improvement be made manifest, the fact 

 should be received as an indication that the various 

 changes previously mentioned are taking place, and that 

 the case is incurable, the animal in consequence remaining 

 lame through life. The above conditions may exist in a 

 much milder form, and although the animal may suffer 

 great pain, he may still be able to place the foot upon the 

 ground, and even travel ; but during progression there is 

 to be observed a peculiar sort of hop, and the movement of 

 the limb in its course is suddenly arrested in a half-way 

 manner, giving rise to what is called a catching gait. There 

 is considerable difficulty in bringing forward the limb, which 

 is observed with much greater facility when the animal is 

 trotted. Sometimes the animal goes in a sort of an an- 

 gular manner. The limb may also be brought forward 

 with a circumductive motion, and the toe may be allowed 

 to drag upon the ground during progression. Sometimes 

 an examination per rectum reveals the presence of heat, 

 and pressure may cause the animal to evince pain. Placing 

 a suitable piece of board over the joint and striking it with 



