THE STIFLE. 



283 



CUT OF THE HAUNCH AND HIND LEGS. 



round bone will be principally discovered by 

 heat and tenderness in the situation of the 

 joint. 



A part so deeply situated is treated with 

 difficulty. Fomentions should at first be used 

 to abate the intiammation, and, after that, an 

 active blister should be applied. Strains of 

 this joint are not always immediately relieved, 

 and the muscles of the limb in some cases 

 waste considerably ; it therefore may be neces- 

 sary to repeat the blister, while absolute rest 

 should accompany every stage of the treat- 

 ment. It may even be requisite to fire the 

 part, — or, as a last resort, a charge may be 

 placed (Jver the joint, and the horse turned out 

 for two or three months. 



Proceeding from the body of the bone is a 

 large irregular projection, rising from a kind 

 of pyramidal eminence (see p. G8), and into 

 which are implanted various powerful mus- 

 cles. 



THE STIFLE. 



The inferior extremity presents a pulley- 

 like articulatory surface in front, over which 

 plays the patella, and two condyles, rounded 

 and smooth, presenting inferiorly and posteri- 

 orly, and which are received into slight de- 

 pressions on the upper surface of the lower 

 bone ; while in front is a curious groove, over 

 which plays a small irregular bone, the pa- 

 tella, or stifle bone. The whole is commonly 

 called the stifle joint. The patella (Q, p. 6S) 

 answers to the kneepan in the human subject. 

 Some of the tendons of the strongest muscles 

 of the upper bone of the thigh are inserted 

 into it, and continued from it over the lower 

 bone. This important joint is hereby much 

 strengthened ; for the proper ligaments be- 

 tween the upper and lower bones, and these 

 additional tendons and ligaments from the 

 patella, must form altogether a very pow- 

 erful union. The patella likewise answers another and even more important purpose. 

 The tendons of some strong muscles are inserted into it. When these muscles aro 

 not in action, the patella lies in the groove which nature has contrived for it ; but 

 when they begin to contract, it starts from its partial hiding-place, becomes promi- 

 nent from the joint, and alters the line of direction in which the muscles act. It 

 increases the angle, and thus very materially increases the power of the muscles. 



The lower bone of the thigh is double. The larger portion, in front, extending 

 from the stifle to the hock, is called the Tibia. The smaller bone, or fibula, behind 

 (see R, p. 68), reaches not more than a third of the way down. It is united to the 

 shank-bone, like the splint-bone, by a cartilaginous substance, which is soon changed 

 into a bony one. Of the use of these little bones we cannot speak. 



The lower bone of the thigh forms an angle with the upper one, being the reverse 

 of that which exists between the upper bone and the pelvis. The object of this is 

 twofold, — to obviate concussion, and to give a direction to the muscles favourable to 

 their powerful action; and in proportion to the acuteness of the angle, or the degree 

 in which the stifle is brought under the horse, will these purposes be accomplished. 

 There is much diflference in this in different horses, and the construction of this part 

 of the frame is a matter worthy of more regard than is generally paid to it. 

 This part of the thigh should likewise be long. In proportion to the length of tha 



