CHRONIC GONITIS. WJ 



the animal shows swinging leg lameness and avoids extending the 

 limb, so that the forward stride is shortened. The toe of the diseased 

 foot is apt to catch on slight prominences ; at a trot the lameness 

 shows some resemblance to spavin lameness, but the limb is not 

 moved spasmodically, much more often it is carried stiffly. 



Though pain cannot usually be detected, the capsule of the joint 

 is often visibly distended below the patella, and in the later stages 

 the internal condyle of the femur is distinctly increased in size. This 



Fig. 526. — Left-sided chronic inflam- 

 mation of the stifle-joint (Gonitis 

 chronica). 



Fig. 527. — Bilateral chronic inflammation 

 of the stifle-joint (Gonitis chronica 

 bilateralis) (from a photograph). 



examination is made standing behind the horse (of course taking 

 proper precautions) and grasping the stifle-joints alternately with 

 both hands, so as to compare one with the other. In femoro-patellar 

 disease the leg is extended, bearing weight, and in movement the 

 limb is abducted and the toe dragged. The animal shows symptoms 

 of pain when the limb is forcibly extended or rotated, and there 

 is considerable swelling in front of the stifle. 



The disease is incurable, and neurectomy being out of the question, 

 nothing can usually be done. Working-horses should be used as 

 long as possible. If the owner insists on treatment, blisters, firing, 



