284 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



easily in the ox by violent exertion, slipping, or while 

 being cast for an operation. 



Symptoms. — The most prominent symptom is a shorten- 

 ing of the limb. There is also a certain amount of pain 

 present, which is augmented on moving the parts. On a 

 close examination, the part is found to present an abnor- 

 mally prominent condition, and after a while a considerable 

 amount of swelling ensues. The symptoms are about the 

 same in the dog and cat. 



Treatment. — Endeavour to reduce the dislocation by mani- 

 pulation, extension, traction, etc., brought to bear on the 

 limb. This is usually effected very easily in the dog and 

 cat, but all efforts to reduce this dislocation are of doubtful 

 efficacy in the case of the ox, which, if fat, should be 

 slaughtered. 



SPRAIN OF THE PATELLAR LIGAMENTS. 



The stifle-joint is a ver}^ important articulation. The 

 patella is situated on the outer side. There are straight 

 and lateral ligaments in common attached to the patella, 

 and also ligaments common to the femur and tibia, inter- 

 osseous ligaments, etc. Sprain of some of the straight 

 ligaments may be caused by direct or indirect injury, as 

 falls, slips, blows, etc. ; and is most common in horses used 

 for fast and hard work — being common among stage horses, 

 having a great deal of travelling up and down hill, stopping 

 and starting suddenly, turning quickly, etc., while drawing a 

 heavy load. 



Symptoms. — If the ligaments are scA^erely injured, there 

 will be considerable difficulty in bringing forward the limb, 

 flexion of the joint is not properly performed, and in some 

 cases there is a tendency to drag the toe ; these symp- 

 toms increase and become better marked. On causing the 

 animal to trot, he may go a short distance, and then 



