A SPRAIN OR STRAIN. 199 



destroy it, for if even a cure is effected the articulation will be 

 ancbylosed. If an attempt to cure is made, the limb must be 

 fixed in a straight position by means of a tin splint used in frac- 

 ture, placed behind the knee and fastened by proper straps and 

 bandages, leaving the wound uncovered. When the accident 

 has been so severe as to fracture one or more bones of the knee, 

 the animal should unhesitatingly be destroyed. 



INJURIES BELOW THE KNEE. 



The causes of lameness now to be described, extending to the 

 foot, are mostly common to both anterior and posterior extremi- 

 ties. When not common to both, reference will be made. 



SPRAIN OF THE METACARPAL LIGAMENT. 



This ligament is often sprained, caused by violent exertion of 

 any kind, pulling heavy loads, wearing high-toed shoes, etc. 



Symptoms, — Heat and swelling of the part; in the early 

 stages, the ligament can be felt swollen prominently, the ten- 

 dons themselves being normal. The horse evinces pain on pres- 

 sure of the ligament. He stands with his leg upright, moves 

 stiffly, and digs his toes in the ground. When the tendons are 

 affected the swelling is found further back, situated about the 

 middle of the tendon. This swelling prevents their gliding 

 through the thecal particularly the thecae situated in the carpal 

 or tarsal fossae. 



Treatment. — Apply a high-heeled shoe in order to rest the 

 tendons. If treated immediately after the injury, cold water 

 should be freely used. Ice water and bandage should be applied, 

 and the lotion of zinc and lead previously referred to employed 

 to reduce the fever. If the exudate has already taken place 

 and there is great pain, warm fomentations as hot as the animal 

 can bear should be used. When the irritation subsides, a lini- 

 ment made of equal parts of aqua ammonia, turpentine, and lin- 

 seed oil should be used. Firing may be resorted to in some 



