238 The Care of Animals 



SPRAINS 



A sprain is an injury to a joint caused by violence, 

 which produces more or less injury to the ligaments 

 binding the bones together and the soft tissues of 

 the joint. Sprains usually result from twisting or 

 bending of the joint in an unusual direction. 



Severe lameness usually comes on suddenly soon 

 after the injury. The joint becomes inflamed, swollen 

 and tender, and is usually moved with much difficult3^ 

 The animal should be kept quiet. If there is severe 

 pain, fomentations of hot water should be applied 

 to soften, soothe and relax the part. When the in- 

 flammation is severe and persistent, cold applications 

 in the form of water or bags of ice are beneficial. 

 After the inflammation subsides, if the lameness and 

 swelling persist, liniments well rubbed in or a light 

 blister will hasten recovery. A part that has been 

 severely sprained should have a long period of rest, 

 as complete recovery from a sprain is very slow. 



BOG -SPAVIN 



Every true joint contains a lubricating liquid called 

 "joint -oil" or synovial fluid. When for any cause this 

 joint oil or synovial fluid is secreted in abnormal 

 amounts, it causes the soft tissues around the joint 

 to bulge outward. When this condition occurs on the 

 hock-joint, it is called a "bog-spavin." 



The first symptom is a puffy enlargement on the front 

 of the hock-joint, toward the upper and inner part, due 

 to a distension of the capsular ligament of the joint by 



