288 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



Before very long more or less swelling occurs, which is fol- 

 lowed by wasting of the muscles of the haunch, and an 

 exudation or deposition of porcelaineous material takes 

 place. 



Treatment. — Counter-irritation may be tried, but it is 

 usually hopeless, the condition, as a rule, causing permanent 

 lameness. 



Sprain of the Vasti and Rectus Femoris Muscles. — This 

 sprain gives rise to pretty severe symptoms. It may be 

 caused by slipping, falling, etc. 



Symptoms. — The animal has very great difficulty in ex- 

 tending the limb. During progression the toe is dragged 

 along the ground to a greater or less extent, and the animal 

 drops very much, the stifle descending to a considerable 

 extent and bulging out. There is swelling, sometimes well 

 marked, which usually disappears in a few days, and is suc- 

 oeeded by atrophy. Tlie lameness is generally excessive. 

 If the tendinous portions of the muscles are affected, the 

 prognosis is very unfavourable ; but if the injury is confined 

 to the belly or fleshy portion of the muscles, a cure may be 

 expected to result from treatment. But from three to eight 

 months will elapse before the cure is complete. 



Treatment. — The treatment consists of plenty of rest, the 

 free use of fomentations to allay pain and irritation, after 

 which, stimulating liniments may be freely applied. As a 

 rule, counter-irritation, in the form of a vesicant, will be 

 found of great service. In some cases it may be necessary 

 to place the animal in slings. 



SPRAIN OF THE FLEXOR METATARSI 



The flexor metatarsi is attached to the femur, tibia, and 

 head of the metatarsal bone. Injury to this muscle some- 

 times occurs from falls, jumping, being halter-cast, or cast 

 for an operation. Galloping an entire horse, or other horse 



