CHAPTER XII. 



LAMENESS. 



DIAGNOSIS DEFINITION — SIGNS — CAUSES — CONGENITAL MUSCULAR 



ATONY — EMBOLI — METHODS OF EXAMINATION — SPRAINS — STRAINS 

 OF PSO^ MUSCLES — CHOREA — STRINGHALT SHIVERING. 



Having entered into the pathology of the Diseases of Bones and 

 Articulations, I shall now consider the question which may be 

 looked upon as being the one to which the greatest importance 

 may be attached, namely, that of Lameness. 



Diagnosis of Lameness. — The readiness with which some men 

 are able to detect lameness seems to be an instinctive gift. Of 

 such was Professor Dick, who could, at a glance, even when a 

 horse had been moved but a few yards, tell the seat and the 

 cause from which he was lame. But whilst this is so easy a 

 matter to some, to others it is a task of great difficulty, requiring 

 long-continued practical study and observation. There are, how- 

 ever, cases where the most experienced are at a loss, and where 

 even the most skilful differ in opinion. To the young man 

 entering upon the duties of his profession, this matter is apt 

 to cause many anxious thoughts and uneasy moments, as a 

 mistake at this period may interfere very materially with Ms 

 success in life. To such I would say, Never express a de- 

 cided opinion until you are thoroughly satisfied as to its 

 correctness. 



The first point to be determined is the limb in which the 

 patient is lame. This may seem an easy matter, but in reality 

 it is attended with no little difficulty. Thus, a mistake may be 

 made by expressing an opinion that the lameness is in the 

 hind leg, when in reality it is in the fore, and vice versa. This 



