350 SPRAIN OF THE FLEXOR TENDONS. 



sence of any external sign, it was conjectured at the time might 

 be in the foot. On the fourth day after his admission, he not 

 having stirred out of his stall during the interval, sprain of the 

 flexor tendons patently shewed itself. 



On the other hand, in severe cases, the sprain may declare itself 

 even at the moment of the accident. My regiment was out exer- 

 cising on Wormwood Scrubs. A charge was made across the 

 ground. The horses were no sooner pulled up than one was found 

 " dead lame." My assistant was instantly called to the spot, and 

 found a " lump" upon the flexor tendon, above the middle of the 

 leg, which convinced him the horse was sprained; or, as by those 

 around, it was called, " broke down." In this case hlood must 

 have become extravasated. 



The bursal tumour may, then, be regarded as the simplest form 

 of lesion from sprain. Beyond this, there may be similar effu- 

 sions, producing " knots," in the lower division of the sheath ; or 

 there may be sero-albuminous effusion, generally, into the cellular 

 tissue investing the tendons, filling up the intervals between them, 

 and giving the leg that aspect and feel which is denominated 

 *' round." This interstitial deposit is soft and compressible while 

 recent; but, in the course of time, becomes of more solid and firm 

 character; until, in the end, unless absorbed, it turns to consolida- 

 tion of parts, and thickening of the skin covering them, assuming 

 after a time that hard callous nature that renders the enlargement 

 irremoveable, or but very partially absorbable. But this may 

 be regarded rather as a result of 



Severe Sprain or " Broken Down," 



As it is called, than of the slight form of injury. The phrase 

 " broken down" would seem to imply there was something broken 

 or ruptured. Pathological research, however, has failed to confirm 

 any such popular delusion. In his rapid course — in the race, in the 

 hunt, or, as was mentioned before, in the charge — the horse fails all 

 at once, i. e. breaks doun : he comes to a stand, with the ailing leg 

 held up in the air or rested upon the toe, and can hardly manage to 

 limp off the ground. Everybody around is impressed with the 



