42 



capsular ligament is a broad, thin band of tissue, surrounding the 

 whole of the joint; on the inside of this ligament is a membrane 

 that secretes the oil-lubricating fluid of the joint. 



Treatment. — Remove the hair and thoroughly clean the parts 

 around the wound; unless a foreign body is known to be lodged 

 in it do not probe or explore, as the introduction of any instru- 

 ment, unless thoroughly clean, will be the means of setting up 

 considerable inflammation. Wash thoroughly with a solution of 

 bichloride of mercury 1 part, water 1,000 parts; then sprinkle 

 with iodoform, and, if possible, bandage as before recommended; 

 sutures may be used, provided movement of the joint and tearing 

 can be prevented. When the wound is unlikely to heal quickly, 

 or simple treatment has failed, a blister of cantharides 1 part, 

 cosmoline 4 parts, may be applied, with a view of closing the 

 opening, limiting motion, and relieving pain. Wounds of the 

 lips, nostrils, and eyelids heal very rapidly; if of several days 

 standing they should have their edges scraped and then be su- 

 tured, and iodoform or acetanilid dusted over the surface twice 

 daily. 



CAUSE AND TREATMENT OF SPRAINS. 



Sprains affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The fibers 

 of which they are composed are severely stretched, sometimes 

 torn in serious cases, causing inflammation and subsequent con- 

 traction, and, in case of muscles, atrophy (wasting away, 

 sweeny). 



Muscular sprains are found in various parts of the trunk and 

 limbs; thus, a horse may be strained in the neck, as a result of 

 falling on the head; the muscles of the dorsal region may be 

 sprained by the hind feet slipping backward. When a muscle is 

 strained the injury is succeeded by pain, swelling, heat, and loss 

 of function. 



An inflamed muscle can no longer contract; hence, in some 

 strains the symptoms resemble those of paralysis. 



SPRAINS OF THE SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT AND FLEXOR TENDONS. 



The fibrous structures situated behind the cannon bone, both 

 in the front and hind legs, is often the seat of laceration or sprains 

 resulting from violent efforts or sudden jerks. The injury is 

 easily recognized by the changed appearance of the parts, which 



