48 DISEASES OF THE SYNOVIAL MEMBRANES AND ARTICULATIONS. 



then becomes greatly distended. If, on the other hand, the knee is bent, 

 the sac shrinks or disappears. 



Treatment. Treatment is restricted to the application of a blister or 

 to firing in points. 



DISTENSION OF THE SYNOVIAL CAPSULE OF THE 

 FETLOCK JOINT. 



The synovial capsule of the fetlock joint in the ox is strongly sup- 

 ported in front and at the sides, but may protrude under the anterior 

 ligament, producing a swelling behind the metacarpus under the five 

 branches of division of the suspensory ligament and slightly below the 

 sesamoid bones. These distensions, like bursal swellings, are commoner 

 in hind limbs and in old working oxen. Their development is always 

 followed in time by a certain degree of knuckling over. At first the 

 metacarpus and phalanges come to form a straight line, but later the 

 fetlock joint itself, is thrust forward. 



The diagnosis necessitates careful manual examination of the region 

 of the fetlock joint. 



The prognosis is somewhat grave, for the disease sooner or later 

 necessitates the destruction of certain animals. 



Treatment is practically identical with that used in all such con- 

 ditions : friction with camphorated alcohol, cold affusions and massage 

 in the earlier stages, followed if needful by blisters or firing in points. 



DISTENSION OF TENDON SHEATHS. 



Distension of the synovial capsule which surrounds the superior 

 suspensory ligament, like distension of the articular capsule of the 

 fetlock, occurs in working animals, and most commonly affects the front 

 limbs. It is indicated by two swellings, one situated on either side of 

 and behind the branches of division of the suspensory ligament and in 

 front of the flexor tendons. These two swellings extend higher than the 

 articular swellings, which, however, they sometimes accompany. The 

 surface of the fetlock is then swollen, doughy on pressure, and some- 

 what painful. 



These enlargements may produce more or less marked lameness and 

 cause knuckling. 



The diagnosis is clear from local examination. 



The prognosis is unfavourable, as the animals after a time become 

 useless for work. 



Treatment. The beginning of the disease may often be cured by 

 baths of running water, combined with massage. At a later stage, local 

 stimulants, blisters, or firing are necessary. The best treatment 



