80 



raised higher than usual, while the head is lowered. Backing is 

 difficult, and it is almost impossible to keep the animal at a trot 

 when he is lame in more than one leg. 



Horses lame in both fore or hind legs show a waddling gait 

 b3hind, oft3n mistaken for lameness originating in the lumbar 

 region. This paculiar motion is simply due to the fact that the 

 hind legs are unduly advanced under the body for their own 

 relief or that of the front legs. Close attention is to be paid to 

 the animal's action as he turns wdiile being trotted to and from 

 the observer, as at this moment — that is, while he turns— any 

 hitch becomes visible; as, for instance, spavin or stringhalt 

 lameness. 



Always place the lame leg in its natural position and inspect 

 the various parts of the leg both with the hand amd eye, compar- 

 ing them always with the sound leg to find anatomical changes. 



In all cases examine the foot thoroughly and carefully. Heat, 

 pain, and swelling are always guides in the diagnosis of lameness. 



All lameness is divided into two classes: First, swinging-leg 

 lameness, which is shown by a shortened stride and a more or 

 less dragging of the leg; second, supporting-leg lameness, which 

 shows its3lf when the leg supports the weight of the body. The 

 former is shown in diseased condition of the muscles. The latter 

 is shown in disease of bone, tendons, ligaments, and the hoof. 



The stifle is the only joint liable to dislocation in the horse. 

 In this trouble the patella is forced outward, and thus makes 

 the joint immovable, the leg being extended backward and the 

 foot resting on the toe. If the animal is forced to move he drags 

 the leg, being unable to bring it forward in the natural manner 

 on account of the dislocation of the patella. 



The treatment consists in reducing the dislocation. This is 

 performed in the following manner: A rope being placed about 

 the pastern, the leg is steadily drawn forward by one or more 

 assistants, while the operator presses the patella forward and 

 inward. When the bone regains its proper position the animal 

 has prop3r control of his leg. If the parts are inflamed frequent 

 application of acetate of lead and sulphate of zinc, 13^ ounces of 

 each to a quart of watsr, will relieve the inflammation. When 

 this has been accomplished a smart blister must be applied— 

 canthirides 1 part, cosmoline 5 parts. At the same time the 

 animal must be kept perfectly quiet. 



