34G DISEASES OF THE ARTICULATIONS 



joints which have Iseen caused by compression of the soft parts against 

 the bones or from shocks, such as jumping or leaping from a height, 

 kicks, and where the extremities have been run over by vehicles. In 

 this we may have a series of results, such as crushing or laceration of the 

 capsule of the joint, with formation of ha^narthrosis, or a concussion or 

 crushing of the bone with little escape of blood. In rare instances we 

 may see a laceration of the cartilage. 



Clinical Symptoms. — The animal shows great sensitiveness and pain 

 on manipulation of the joint, and, as a rule, carries it in the air. There 

 is a rapid swelling of the joint and oedema of the surrounding parts, also 

 a high temperature. 



Therapeutic Treatment. — The treatment consists in cold-water 

 applications, if the position of the joint admits, renewed constantly. 

 The best method is to soak a piece of absorbent cotton in water, lay 

 it on the joint and bandage it up lightly, moistening it in cold water 

 from time to time. In old cases use friction (massage) of the joint 

 in a circular direction (twice daily for ten or fifteen minutes), or use a 

 tight bandage. Any stimulating liniments, such as camphor, soap, or 

 arnica, may be used, but it is questionable whether the good effects are 

 not due more to the massage than to the drugs themselves. 



Distortions of the Joint (Sprains). — By this is meant a twisting or 

 temporary displacement of the joint, as a rule, in a lateral direction, 

 caused by slipping or sliding, or falling out of a window and landing on 

 the feet, tumbling over the side of a chair, bed or step. The capsule and 

 the ligaments may be partially torn and in some cases entirely ruptured 

 on one side. The round ligament of the hip-joint is sometimes torn, 

 as are also the tendons of the knee-joint; there is extravasation of blood 

 in the injured region. "NMth rest, the disease may disappear in a few 

 days, or it may remain, causing partial loss of power of the legs for the 

 rest of the animal's life. 



Clinical Symptoms. — When the sprain occurs there is violent pain. 

 The animals use the joint irregularly, or may carry the member. The 

 lameness increases, and in the region of the joint swelling soon appears. 

 Any manipulation of the joint produces great i)ain, and we may be able to 

 recognize a laceration of some of the ligaments, and the joint shows 

 greater mobility on one side than the other. Where there is tearing 

 of the broad ligaments of the hip-joint there is nothing indicated l^eyond 

 the lameness and symptoms of pain when the joint is turned or twisted. 



Therapeutics. — The treatment of distortions, or sprains, is the same 

 as that for contusions — compresses of cold water, lead water, lead 

 water and laudanum, fuller's earth or antiphlogistine and wraj) up the 

 joint in warm flaimel. If the swelling is gnnit, paint it with tincture 

 of iodine, and when the swt'Uing subsides, use massaging and rul)l)ing 



