DISLOCATION OF THE HIP-JOINT. 283 



the croup is present, and progression is accomplished with 

 as little movement of the quarter as possible. The foot 

 may be elevated from the ground and the gluteals kept in a 

 state of relaxation, all strain being removed from them. If 

 the foot is not elevated from the ground the toe is usually 

 allowed to rest upon it, and the limb thereby kept in a 

 state of flexion. Manipulation may cause the animal to show 

 pain, after which, on being trotted out, the lameness is usually 

 seen to be greater than before. Percussion over the region 

 of the articulation will be followed by negative results. 

 There is great difficulty in bringing forward the limb, and 

 there is swelling more or less marked, which in affections 

 of the articulation is absent. The swelling is usually seen 

 with ease, but where it is slight it may be more readily de- 

 tected by standing behind the animal and comparing the 

 two quarters. After the swelling subsides atrophy may 

 occur. A history of the case will afford material assistance 

 in making a diagnosis. 



Treatment. — The treatment is very similar to that of hip- 

 joint lameness ; and consists of the free use of hot and cold 

 applications to be followed by counter-irritants after the 

 irritation is allayed as much as possible. In this, as in hip- 

 joint disease, slings may be necessary, and a long rest is 

 indispensable ; and in both conditions laxative and diuretic 

 medicines, and a light laxative diet will be found of benefit. 



DISLOCATION OF THE HIP-JOINT. 



Dislocation of the hip-joint may take place in the ox, 

 dog, cat, etc. ; but it is not j^ossible for the head of the 

 femur to become displaced in the horse, except in cases 

 where fracture of the acetabulum occurs. This fact is 

 accounted for by the presence of the pubio-femoral liga- 

 ment in the horse, this ligament being absent in the other 

 animals named. Dislocation of the hip-joint may occur very 



