DISEASES OF THE HOBSE. 367 



Cases occur, however, where this condition of the blood vessels exists 

 in a much less degree, and the diseased condition is not sufficiently pro- 

 nounced for final condemnation. There may even be a possibility of 

 the absorption of the clot, or that an increase of the collateral circula- 

 tion may be sufficient to supply the parts with blood. In such cases 

 spontaueous recovery ma}^ follow moderate exercise in the pasture, 

 field, or stable, or continuous light work ma}' be given, but too much 

 hope should not be placed in such treatment. 



SPRAIXS OF THE LOIN'S. 



This is an affection which suggests to the mind the idea of muscular 

 injury, and is difficult to distinguish from many similar cases. If the 

 animal shrinks from the slightest pressure or pinching of the spine in 

 the region of the loins, he is by many pronounced to be "lame in the 

 loins," or "sprained in the loins," or "weak in the kidneys." This is 

 a grave error, as in fact this simple and gentle yielding to such a pres- 

 sure is not a pathological sign, but is normal and significant of health. 

 Yet there are several conditions to which the definition of "sprains of 

 the loins" may apply which are not strictly normal. 



Cause. — The muscles of the back and those of the loins proper, as 

 the psoas, may have been injured, or again there may be trouble of a 

 rheumatic nature, perhaps suggestive of lumbago. Diseases of the 

 bones of the vertebral column, or even those of the organs of circula- 

 tion, may give rise to an exhibition of similar symptoms. 



Sym2)toms. — The symptoms are characteristic of a loss of rigidity 

 or firmness of the vertebral column, both when the animal is at rest 

 and in action. In the former condition, or when at rest, there is an 

 arched condition of the back and a constrained posture in standing, 

 with the hind legs separated. In the latter there is a lateral, balancing 

 movement at the loins, principall}^ noticeable while the animal is in 

 the act of trotting — a peculiar motion, sometimes referred to as a 

 "crick in the back," or what the French call a tour dehateau. If, 

 while in action, the animal is suddenh' made to halt, the act is accom- 

 panied with much pain, the back suddenl}- arching or bending laterally, 

 and perhaps the hind legs thrown under the body, as if unable to per- 

 form their functions in stopping, and sometimes it is only accom- 

 plished at the cost of a sudden and severe fall. This manifestation is 

 also exhibited when the animal is called upon to back, when a repeti- 

 tion of the same symptoms will also occur. 



If a slight pressure on the back or the loins is followed bv a mod- 

 erate yielding of the animal, it is, as before remarked, a good sign 

 of health. With a sprain of the loins pressure of any kind is painful, 

 and will cause the animal to bend or to crouch under it more or less, 

 according to the weight of the pressure. Heavy loads, and even 

 heavy harnessing, will develop this tenderness. In lying down he 



