272 PARTICULAR LAMENESSES. 



although there is a discharge of synovia from the wound, there 

 is true open joint, for the bursa of the extensor metacarpi 

 magnus is separated from those of the articulations. 



Cases of this kind look very formidable, the resulting in- 

 flammation being sometimes great, the swelling very consider- 

 able, extending as high as the elbow-joint, and as low as the 

 foot ; the whole limb being infiltrated with effusion and exuda- 

 tion. The carpal-joint becomes greatly enlarged by a fibrinous 

 deposit, which surrounds it, and the synovial discharge very 

 profuse. Generally, with proper treatment, such cases recover, 

 if the tendon be not crushed. 



A.th. If the tendon has been crushed, although neither lace- 

 rated nor divided in any way, it may slough in the course of 

 four or five days, its vitality having been destroyed. This 

 sloughing of the tendon is attended with severe symptoms, and 

 is a source of great danger to the animal's life. The sympathetic 

 fever becomes very high ; the respirations and pulse quickened ; 

 the bowels constipated ; the urinary and other secretions arrested ; 

 both the wound and tendon assume a dusky livid or leaden 

 hue ; the discharge becomes foetid, sanious, mixed with blood, 

 and the lameness excessive. When the slough is removed, the 

 carpal articulations are exposed to view; the bones are in- 

 flamed, and of a red hue. The power of extension is now lost 

 by the separation of the tendon from its attachment, and the 

 limb is persistently flexed. If an attempt be made to extend 

 it forcibly, great pain is inflicted. 



The treatment of such cases, whether the division of the ten- 

 don be immediate or not, is a matter of anxiety to the veterinary 

 surgeon, and, except when the patient is a valuable stud animal, 

 it is better to destroy it, for even if a cure is effected, the 

 articulation will be anchylosed ; and a horse with an anchylosed 

 knee is of little use. But if an attempt is to be made to effect 

 a cure, the limb must be fixed in the straight position by means 

 of the tin splint recommended for fractures, placed behind the 

 knee, and fastened by proper straps and bandages, leaving the 

 wound uncovered. 



In the treatment of open bursa, or even when the skin only is 

 divided, it is always advisable to apply the splint for the purpose 

 of preventing motion, and to prevent a horse from accidentally 

 stiiking the wounded knee against the manger, to turn him 



