DISEASES OF THE HOKSE. 35S' 



sors of the hock will be put in a wrinkled and relaxed condition. The 

 leg is behind the animal and the toe rests on the ground. Examina- 

 tion of the fore part of the shank from the stifle down to the hock 

 may reveal soreness, and possibly some swelling- and heat at the seat; 

 of the lesion. 



Treatineiit. — Our experience with injuries of this form satisfies us- 

 that, generally speaking, they are amenable to treatment. Very few 

 instances have come to our knowledge in which radical recovery has 

 not been obtained, provided a sufficient time has been allowed for 

 union to take place. The more flexed the leg can be kept, the quicker 

 will it heal. 



In these cases, as in those alread}^ considered of simple laceration of 

 tendons, the indications resemble those which apply in the treatment, 

 of fractures; as near a coaptation of the lacerated ends as possible,, 

 with immobility, being the necessary conditions to secure. The first 

 is a matter of very difficult accomplishment, by bandaging alone, and 

 some have recommended instead the application of charges or blisters 

 in order to compel the animal to keep more quiet. 

 " To secure the necessary immobilitj^ the animal should be placed in' 

 slings snugly applied, and kept in a narrow stall. He should also be 

 tied short, and restrained from any backward movement bj^ ropes or 

 boards, and he should moreover be kept in as quiet a temper as pos- 

 sible by the exclusion of all causes of irritation or excitement. Weeks-- 

 must then elapse, not less, but frequently more than six, often eight,, 

 before he can be considered out of danger and able to return to his- 

 labor, which should for a time be light and easy, and gradually, if 

 ever, increased to the measure of a thoroughly sound and strong ani- 

 mal. If he is used too soon the newly formed tissue between the ends- 

 of the muscle will be apt to stretch and leave the flexor muscle toa 

 long and permanently displaced. 



SUNDRY ADDITIONAL AFFECTIONS OF THE EXTREMITIES. 



Among these there are three which will principally occupy our atten- 

 tion, and these may be considered as forming a single group. In some- 

 parts of the legs may be found certain peculiar little structures of a 

 sac-like formation, containing an oil_y substance designed for the lubri- 

 cation of the parts upon which they are placed for the purpose of 

 facilitating the movements of the tendons which pass over them. 

 These little sacs or muco-synovial capsules are liable under peculiar 

 conditions of traumatism to become subject to a diseased process,, 

 which consists principally in a hyper-secretion of their contents and' 

 an increase in dimensions, and they may undergo peculiar pathological 

 changes of such a character as to disable an animal, and in many 

 instances to cause serious blemishes which can not but depreciate his 

 value. These growths, which are known as hygromata, may result 

 14384—03 23 



