282 PARTICULAR LAMENESSES. 



rope fixed in like manner would do. Without this aid, the 

 power of the flexor muscles would be quite insufficient for the 

 purpose, and without the suspensory ligament the horse's toes 

 would be turned up, particularly while the muscles were in- 

 active ; but with its assistance they are enabled to obtain that 

 repose which is so essential to the well-being of all muscular 

 tissue. 



Nothing proves this staying or bracing function of the sus- 

 pensory ligament and sesamoids so much as rupture of the 

 ligament or fracture of the sesamoid bones. Immediately after 

 these accidents, the toe of the foot is turned up ; even in such 

 a case the sesamoids are not moved from their position, but the 

 fixed points of the stay are destroyed. 



Sprain of the suspensory ligament is of two kinds, namely — 

 (1.) An inflamed condition arising from slight causes ; and (2.) 

 Eupture, partial or complete, from more violent ones. 



In the first form there will be lameness ; swelling felt along 

 the course of the ligament ; the animal standing and walking on 

 his toe as much as he can, to remove all tension from the liga- 

 ment ; but in the latter form the fetlock pads descend more or 

 less, depending upon the gravity of the lesion. 



The rupture may be completely through the substance of the 

 ligament, above its bifurcation, or one of the branches only may 

 be lacerated, above its attachment to the sesamoid bone ; or it 

 may be detached from the bone without transverse rupture. 



This lesion occurs both in the fore and hind extremities ; in 

 the fore extremities of race-horses and hunters, and more com- 

 monly in the hind ones of horses which draw heavy loads. It 

 may be in one or in both legs at the same time. I have often 

 seen it in both hind legs of 'bus horses in hilly districts. 



The symptoms are descent of the fetlock pads, turning up of 

 the toes, with heat and swelling of the leg or legs. The lame- 

 ness is often very great, the animal being almost unable to 

 move. 



The injury is a very serious one ; but with a long rest and 

 proper treatment a horse so injured may become sufficiently 

 sound to perform moderate work for many years. Yet there 

 is always a weakness left, which must be considered an un- 

 soundness, as it may at any time cause lameness, particularly if 

 the animal be called upon to do a little extra work. 



