46 The A ilTnents of Horses. 



articular surfaces. This is termed " an- 

 chylosis." The ligaments often participate 

 in the diseased activity. 



Anchylosis (permanent fasion) of the 

 vertebra? of the loins is not uncommon in 

 old horses and hunters. In the latter it 

 is a serious defect, whilst in both it pre- 

 disposes to fracture in this region. The 

 so-called occult (hidden) spavin is nothing 

 less than fusion of the tarsal (hock) bones. 



Anchylosis, wherever situated, must 

 constitute unsoundness. 



This stiffening commonly arises from 

 an injury to the joint, especially at the 

 knee. 



A stiff-kneed pony will manage to do 

 some kind of labour, and there is no 

 pain, although it may be very lame. 



K 



Kidneys, inflamed. — Inflammation of 

 the kidney or kidneys is not a common 

 disease in the horse, either as an " acute " 

 or " chronic " affection. A blow over the 

 loins, cold, abuse of diuretics, &c., will 

 cause it. 



Symptoms. — There is pain over the loins 

 wdien the animal attempts to urinate ; 

 straining, perhaps pain in the belly (colic), 

 and a urinous odour given off" from the 

 skin. If any urine is passed, it is only 

 very small in amount and highly coloured. 



Treatment. — Place the animal in a 

 very warm stable. Clothe the body and 

 bandage the limbs. 



Apply mustard-paste to the loins, 

 washing it off in about half an hour's time. 



