XIII. 

 A SPRAIN OR STRAIN. 



A sprain or strain is violence inflicted upon any soft structure, 

 with extension and often rupture of its fibers. Strains confined 

 to the sheaths of tendons only are not as serious as when the liga- 

 ments and tendons themselves arc involved. Muscular strains 

 are found in various parts of the body, and are produced by 

 various causes. AVhen a muscle is sprained, the injury is followed 

 by pain, swelling, heat, and loss of function. The swelling of 

 the inflamed muscle is often succeeded by loss of substance, as- 

 suming a form like whitish threads of fat. 



Treatment. — Repose and soothing applications, succeeded by 

 slight and afterwards stronger irritants. Purgatives and cooling 

 diet at first, followed by good nursing. 



SHOULDER SLIP. 



Shoulder slip is the name used by professional men for what 

 is more commonly termed sweeny. There is a peculiar outward 

 slipping movement of the shoulder joint. It would almost ap- 

 pear as if the shoulder were out of joint; hence the term 

 "shoulder slip." Tlus peculiar action of the shoulder is caused 

 by the external muscles losing their contractile power. An 

 injury to the muscles sets up an inflammatory action, which re- 

 sults in atrophy of the muscles. 



Cause. — It may be caused in various ways, by direct or indi- 

 rect injury. It is most commonly seen in young horses, whose 

 undeveloped muscles are more susceptible to injury than those 

 of a mature horse. It may be caused by putting the horse to 

 work too soon. The plongh is a very frequent cause. Jars, 

 jerks, jolts, hruises, concussion, or any injury to the shoulder 

 will produce the disease. 



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