208 THE STOCK OWAKu's AIJ\'JSKR. 



tliarides blister slioiild be applied to the part and the horse 

 walked after each application. In exercising an animal, if the 

 patella on the near side is dislocated, the animal in turning 

 should turn to the opposite side, and vice versa. 



SPRAIN OF THE PATELLA LIGAMENTS. 



The ligaments of the patella may be strained, and this is most 

 common in horses used for fast work. It is very common in 

 stage horses. 



Symptoms. — There is considerable difficulty in bringing for- 

 ward the limb, ilexion of the joint is not properly performed, 



^^,_ ^ 4 and in some cases 



there is a tendency 



J^ to drag the toe. The 



- .,"' animal may trot a 



^^ short distance, then 

 hop on the sound 

 \i limb, keeping the 



affected one eleva- 

 ted from the ground 

 for a little ways, 



and then allowing it 

 Fig. 51 — Sprain of the Patella Ligaments. ^ i , , i 



ground and trot off on it again. The symptoms are very much 

 similar to stifle-joint lameness. 



The treatment is similar to stifle-joint lameness. 



SPRAIN OF THE VASTI AND RECTUS FEMORIS MUSCLES. 



This is caused by slipping and falling, etc. 



Symptoms. — Difficulty in extending the limb. The toe is 

 dragged along on the ground, and the animal drops considerably. 

 There will be observed a swelling of the part, wliich is succeeded 

 by atrophy. The lameness is excessive. It will take from three 

 to six months to effect a cure. 



