THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 291 



Dislocation of the Stifle Bone. — If we should believe all the 

 stories that are told us of horses having the stifle out, the diffi- 

 culty would appear to occur very -often, which, in fact, is not the 

 case. We are frequently called to see horses said to have their 

 stifle out, which, on examination, turn out to be sprain of the 

 fetlock, or punctured foot. The error arises in consequence of a 

 lack of anatomical knowledge ; for the symptoms of each are so 

 different that it is almost impossible for a veterinary surgeon to 

 make such a gross mistake. The stifle joint is composed of the 

 lower end of the femur, upper end of the tibia, and patella, the 

 latter corresponding to the kneepan of man. So soon as the pa- 

 tella — stifle bone — is luxated, the horse is unable to advance 

 the limb ; it is stiffened and protruded backwards ; and, on ex- 

 ploring the region of the patella, it will be found outside the ex- 

 ternal condyle of the femur. When the bone is dislocated in- 

 wards, the limb will be drawn upwards, the animal being unable 

 to rest on it. 



The reduction is effected by bringing the limb forwards and 

 upwards, at the same time pressing the patella towards its origi- 

 nal position. After the bone has been replaced, it must be held 

 there until the muscles have regained some degree of contractility. 

 The parts must then be kept wet with cold water, until an infu- 

 sion of bayberry or white oak bark can be prepared, which may 

 be used pretty freely about the joint for several days. 



Dislocation of the Fetlock. — See cut, p. 288. The author has 

 no personal experience in the use of such apparatus delineated 

 in the cut ; yet it is spoken highly of by some veterinary surgeons. 



The best method the author knows of for treating dislocation 

 of the fetlock is by means of starched bandages. A dislocation 

 of this joint is easily detected. Its reduction can be effected by 

 any one : a little starch and a narrow bandage, five yards in 

 length, are all the appliances needed. Rest, light diet, and atten- 

 tion to the patient, complete the cure. 



