350 DISEASES OF THE ARTICULATIONS 



three legs, and on examination we find that the lower end of the bone 

 of the forearm is displaced in a posterior direction, and more rarely in 

 an anterior direction. This dislocation is easily reduced, but on the 

 slightest movement reappears again. The prognosis is not favorable, 

 as it is a rather difficult condition to treat. The weak ligaments (the 

 annular ligament and transverse ligaments) do not heal quickly, and the 

 dislocation has a tendency to become chronic, especially in the upper 

 joint. 



Treatment. — In the treatment of the upper joint the forearm 

 becomes extended and the legs should be crossed and an attempt be 

 made to push the forearm backward and outward into its normal position. 

 It must then be held there by means of a tight bandage. This bandage 

 must be changed once a clay, as it is apt to produce tenderness of the 

 skin from being so tight. If the dislocation affects the lower joint, the 

 bone of the forearm will have to be pushed into its normal condition 

 with more or less force and a silicate of sodium bandage applied. 



Dislocation of the Patella. — This is only seen in small dogs. Stock- 

 fleth states that the patella may become dislocated on both sides, but 

 not upward, and that the dislocation is generally on the inner side, on 

 account of the forced extension of a very much flexed tarsus and a ten- 

 dency of the muscles to turn inward. This is seen occasionally in circus 

 dogs (grayhounds) making high jumps. In cases of inside dislocation the 

 patella lies on the inner side of the joint where it moves on the tibia, and 

 in external dislocation it lies on the outside of the external condyle. 



Inner Dislocation of the Patella. — In the early stages, shortly after 

 the dislocation occurs, the animal holds its leg in a very flexed position. 

 The hock is flexed and the heel turned outward. At the joint the jDatella 

 may be found lying sideways, and is easily moved laterally. If we take 

 hold of the foot and flex or extend it, the animal evinces great pain. The 

 leg must be bent backward and straightened as much as possible, then 

 by means of manipulation of the fingers the patella can be made to slip 

 into position. This is very easily performed, and the animal walks away 

 as if nothing had occurred. This dislocation, however, may recur when 

 the animal jumps any distance. When the disease becomes chronic and 

 dislocation occurs often, the animal runs on three legs, or walks lame on 

 the affected leg. The stifle-joint is uneven, thick, and the patella can 

 be dislocated, or put into position simply by pressure of the fingers. If 

 the dislocation affects both legs, these are kept in a flexed position, 

 the animal making peculiar jumping movements, using both legs at the 

 same time, when he attemj^ts to walk. If he lies down, the hind legs 

 are extended backward and crossed. The prognosis is favorable in new 

 cases, but unfavorable in old ones. 



Treatment. — The tarsus must be extended in order to overcome 



