DISLOCATION OF THE PATELLA. 287 



or pastern of the affected limb, place the free end of the cord 

 in the hands of an assistant, and direct him to gently dra^v 

 the limb forward ; this done, the practitioner can, by manipu- 

 lating and pushing the bone, force it into place, the bone 

 slipping into place with a clicking sound. In some cases, 

 by exciting the animal, as by whipping, causing him to 

 move suddenly, etc., the bone may be caused to return to 

 its place. But the method previously described is the 

 surgical and only proper way of reducing the luxation. 

 After the bone has been restored to its place, the free use 

 of cold water, astringent lotions, etc., is highly beneficial. 

 Bandages may also be employed in cases where it is difficult 

 to retain the bone in place. Mildly stimulating liniments 

 are also very useful, and in some cases it may be necessary 

 to apply a vesicant. Moderate exercise for awhile, after 

 each application, tends to restore the muscles and ligaments 

 to their natural condition. In some cases the foot may be 

 brought forward and secured for awhile in that position by 

 a cord reaching from the pastern to the collar or neck. The 

 animal should, however, never be left in such a position, but 

 should be constantly watched, to prevent him being cast, 

 and perhaps badly injured, or even killed. In exercising 

 an animal, if it is the patella on the near side that is dis- 

 located, the animal in turning should turn to the oppo- 

 site, or off side, and rice versa. It may be necessary, in 

 some cases, to elevate the hind quarters, which may easily 

 be done by standing the animal in a stall with a floor 

 sloping forward. 



Disease of the Semilunar Cartilages. — The semilunar 

 cartilages of the femoro-tibial articulation are liable to- 

 disease, in consequence of hard work, injuries, etc. 



Sijmf torus. — The animal has a certain amount of difficulty 

 in extending the limb, and on being allowed to rest a day 

 or two he improves, but on being driven becomes worse. 



