DISEASES OF THE TENDONS AND TENDON SHEATHS. 



1033 



striking the leg against the bale, or heel-post of the stall. As lame- 

 ness is not a prominent symptom, the swelling is rarely treated, 

 and only forms a blemish. 



If necessary, the parts may be blistered and fired in lines. 

 Operation is not dangerous, though, when suppuration occurs, 

 considerable thickening always remains, and the remedy becomes 

 worse than the disease, because everyone knows that the latter is of 

 little importance. 



(c) Distension of the sheath of the flexor pedis perforatus. This 



Fig. 551. — Distension of bursa of 

 flexor tendon in right hock (from 

 a photograph). 



Fig. 552. — Distension of sheath 

 of flexor pedis perforans (from 

 a photograph). 



consists in dropsy of the bursa which is interposed between the deep 

 face of the perforatus tendon and the summit of the os calcis and 

 tendo Achillis. In coarse bred horses, it sometimes affects both 

 limbs, and forms above the tuber calcanei an elongated bilateral 

 swelling, extending for 4 or 5 inches along the tendon of the hock. 

 The position and size of the swelling are best recognised by viewing 

 the animal from behind. Sometimes the swelling is more marked 

 on the inner, sometimes on the outer surface of the tendon, which 

 can be distinctly felt in the depths. The swelling generally results 

 from chronic bursitis, develops slowly, and seldom causes lameness. 



