330 BUREAU OF AUniAh II^DUSTlii. 



the bones and their articukr surfaces, and those forms of solution of 

 continuity known as dislocations or luxations. 



DISEASES OF THE SYKOVIAL R.VCS. 



Two forms of affection here present themselves, one being the result 

 of an abnormal secretion which induces a dropsical condition of the 

 sac without an}" acute inflammatory action, while the other is charac- 

 terized by excessive inflammatory symptoms, with their modilications, 

 constituting s^^novitis. 



SY^•OVIAL DROPSIES. 



AVe have already considered in a general way the presence of these 

 peculiar oil bags in the joints, and in some regions of the legs wdiere 

 the passage of the tendons takes place, and have noticed the similarity 

 of structure and function of both the articular and the tendinous 

 bursiB, as well as the etiology of their injuries and their pathological 

 history, and we now propose to treat of the affections of both. 



WINDGALL9. 



This name is given to the dilated bursw found at the posterior part 

 of the fetlock joint. They have their origin in a dropsical condition 

 of the bursse of the joint itself, and also of the tendon which slides 

 behind it, and are therefore further known l\v the designations of 

 articular and tendinovis windgalls, or puffs. 



They appear in the form of soft and somewhat symmetrical tumors, 

 of varying dimensions, and generallj'^ well defined in their circumfer- 

 ence. They are more or less tense, according to the amount of secre- 

 tion the}" contain, apparently becoming softer as the foot is raised and 

 the fetlock flexed. Usually they are painless and only cause lameness 

 under certain conditions, as when they begin to develop themselves 

 under the stimulus of inflammatory action, or when large enough to 

 interfere with the functions of the tendons, or again when they have 

 undergone certain pathological changes, such as calcification, which is 

 among their tendencies. 



Cause. — Windgalls may be attributed to external causes, such as 

 severe labor or strains resulting from heavy pulling, fast driving, or 

 jumping, or they may be among the sequelce of internal disorders, 

 such as strangles or the resultants of a pleuritic or pneumonic attack. 



An unnecessary amount of anxiety is sometimes experienced respect- 

 ing these growths, w-ith much questioning touching the expediency of 

 their removal, all of which might bo spared, for while they constitute 

 a blemish, their unsightliness will not hinder the usefulness of the ani- 

 mal, and in any case they rarely fail to show themselves easily amena- 

 ble to treatment. 



