OPENED KNEE AND OTHER JOINTS. 211 



puncture it. When a horse falls, the nature of the wound 

 inflicted will depend upon the surface the knee may strike. 

 It often happens that the joint, though not at first pene- 

 trated, is opened afterwards, in consequence of sloughing; 

 the parts having lost their vitality because of the violence 

 they have endured. 



E/ECENT Appearances and Examination. — When the 

 injury is recent, the animal has his knees coated with soil, 

 through which blood is oozing, or with which blood is 

 mingled. The first thing to be obtained is warm water and 

 a sponge, cleansing the wound with a light hand. While 

 we are performing this duty, we should observe the precise 

 nature of the accident. In many cases, the fact is soon 

 learnt ; the bones are exposed, or the issue of synovia leaves 

 no doubt that the joint is penetrated. We must be careful, 

 however, not to pronounce the joint opened, simply on the 

 appearance of synovia : a similar fluid is contained within 

 the sheaths of the tendons ; and one of these being punc- 

 tured, will give rise to precisely such discharge as true joint- 

 oil. The probe will determine this ; but it must be handled 

 with care. There is a great objection to a meddling inves- 

 tigation, especially where any force is employed. 



Symptoms. — ^In cases where the wound is clogged with 

 congealed blood, or where, from the length of time the acci- 

 dent has occurred, adhesive matter already appears upon its 

 surface, an examination by probe may be decidedly unadvis- 

 able. Rather than disturb such a condition of parts, we had 

 better consult other signs, and form an opinion from them, 

 with regard to the cavity of the joint being actually pene- 

 trated. A partial reliance may be placed upon the emis- 

 sion of synovia. The poor animal halts with the wounded 

 limb ; though when the accident is recent, only because of 

 the inflamed and divided surface. Joints when newly punc- 

 tured, in fact, have very little or no sensation. The horse 

 stands resting upon the toe, not because the joint is pain- 

 ful, but because other parts are injured, and these are very 

 sensitive. W^e must be prepared for the consequences which 

 are certain to be violent according to tlie extent of the mis- 



