BROKEN BACK. 119 



with difficulty, and was, when examined a very short time after- 

 wards, found to present symptoms of paralysis of both posterior 

 extremities. There was knuckling over at the fetlocks when 

 standing, difficulty in moving the legs forward, the peculiar 

 plaiting or crossing of the legs which is observable in partial 

 paralysis, and the rolling, uncertain gait. Nothing could be 

 found upon examination. 



The treatment consisted of quietude, rest, dose of physic, and 

 hot fomentations to the loins. In about six weeks the paralytic 

 symptoms diminished, and in about ten weeks the horse was at 

 work again, and continued to work as a truck horse for four 

 years afterwards, when, in consequence of a lameness in one of 

 his feet, he was turned out to grass. Upon being let loose in 

 the field, he commenced galloping, and going down a hill, his 

 hind feet slipped from under him ; he fell heavily, was unable to 

 rise, and had to be destroyed. 



The post mortem examination revealed the seat of the old 

 fracture, the third lumbar vertebra; the process of anchylosis 

 having extended to the rest of the lumbar vertebrae, the whole 

 being united as one bone ; and there was a recent fracture of the 

 fourth, with displacement and pressure on the cord. 



The second case was a high-spirited saddle horse, which was 

 suddenly thrown upon his haunches by a strong check being 

 given him by his rider, who was using a dreadfully severe bit. 

 After he was thrown on his haunches, he recovered with some 

 difficulty, and walked, partially paralyzed, a distance of seven 

 miles into Bradford, when he was seen presenting symptoms 

 similar to case No. 1. The same treatment was adopted; but 

 unfortunately the owner listened to the voice of a farrier in the 

 town, who asked to be allowed to put the horse in slings. When 

 the poor animal felt the support of the slings, he lay, as horses 

 will do while on the slings, with the legs in a semi-flexed posi- 

 tion, and his weight thrown upon the trunk. As a natural result, 

 the back arched upwards, and immediately there was displace- 

 ment of the fractured vertebra, and total paralysis of both hind 

 limbs. When seen again by me, he was greatly excited and 

 very restless, and was ordered out of the slings. When the slings 

 were removed, the hind limbs were quite unable to support 

 him ; he therefore went down, and, being a high-mettled horse, 

 commenced to fight and struggle with the fore legs, to knock his 



