80 The Ailments of Horses, 



is tliJit of allowiiio- the contracted tendon 

 to relax through division of it. 



Some horses will work ^■ery fairly upon 

 soft ground if the shoes are made with a 

 high toe. 



Tendons, contracted. — Contraction of 

 the flexor tendons in adult horses is 

 usually the result of chronic inflammation 

 in connexion with the tendon, either 

 through sprain or rheumatism. 



Foals are not uncommonly born with 

 this defect, but it may come on from 

 birth up to two years. Soiuetimes the 

 little animal is rendered a complete 

 cripple. . . 



It is probably due to insufficient length 

 of the flexors ; or to over-length of the 

 cannon-bone. Thoroughbred foals are 

 frequently affected. 



As a rule, the defect is obvious at a 

 glance. 



Treatment. — Put the foal on its back, 

 and then place the knee against the 

 fetlock-joint, at the same time extend 

 the parts below this by means of the 

 hands, so that the fetlock is brought into 

 an oblique position. 



Now put on a bandage of starch or 

 plaster of paris. The latter bandage must 

 be of cotton, about one and a half inch 

 in width, with the powdered plaster laid 

 over its length (one side only) before 

 rolling it. Having done this soak the 

 rolled bandage in cold water and apply, 

 taking caie to put on a dry bandage next 

 to the skin before doing so. Do not apply 

 the bandage too tightly, otherwise the 



