CONTRACTED TENDONS IN FOALS. 



853 



of changes in the flexor tendons. In knuckling of the hind fetlocks 

 the feet may be turned inwards producing distortion of the pastern. 



Course and prognosis. In newly-born foals the abnormal position 

 is usually seen on the first attempt to stand, but disappears under 

 proper treatment in eight to fourteen days. Not infrequently these 

 apparent cripples develop into very useful animals. Sometimes 

 improvement occurs first in one limb, the other meanwhile retaining 

 its abnormal position. In calves the disease usually takes a 

 favourable course. 



When appearing in the second year after birth the disease takes 



Fig. 487. — Friebel's extension apparatus. 



a less favourable course, and may, indeed, never entirely disappear. 

 In other cases improvement follows proper treatment, though 

 complete cure, i.e., recovery of the normal position, is rare. 



Treatment. The great extensibility of the tendons in foals favours 

 early and complete recovery. It is, therefore, important to practise 

 forcible extension, and to such a degree that the tendons are stretched 

 and the fetlock brought into an oblique position. For this purpose 

 the foal is cast, the phalanges extended as far as possible and fixed 

 in this position, either by using a plaster bandage or applying a 

 strong leather splint. Ehrle uses a plaster bandage or a glue bandage 

 and splints. The parts are freely padded with wadding to distribute 

 pressure. The degree of success is often astonishing, especially when 

 treatment is early resorted to. Weight can often be placed on the 



