356 



DISEASES OF THE MUSCLES 



Diseases of the Tendons and Bursa Mucosa. 



Of the pathological processes of the tendons and Inirsa mucosa, we 

 will onl}' take up the laceration of the achilles tendon and hygroma. 



Laceration of the Achilles Tendon. — This condition is occasionally 

 met with as a result of violent exercise or injuries caused by falling out of a 

 window, or having the tendon cut either by jumping on glass, particularly 

 on green-house sash, scythes, reaper knives, or maliciously cut by some 

 person, etc. Occasionally it results from the bites of other dogs, causing 



r-*' 



Fig. 115. — Laceration of the tendo achillis. 



wounds which are followed by necrosis of the tendon. On the tendon 

 being completely severed, the ends are drawn violently apart and the 

 animal cannot step or put any weight on the other leg without putting 

 the posterior surface of the astragalus as well as the whole of the meta- 

 tarsus flat on the ground (Fig. 115). On local examination we may find 

 either an open wound or the skin intact, but there is a complete separation 

 in the continuity of the tendon. The appearance of the animal is very 

 similar to congenital plantigrade or in cases of general rickets. The 

 articulation of the knee is excessively extended (Fig. 115). 



Boyer saw in a mastiff a complete severance of the tendon just at 

 its union with the gastrocnemius muscle. The ends of the ruptured 

 tendon were drawn apart al)0ut 5 cm. In incomplete laceration we 

 find more or less exaggeration of the a.stragulas and bending of the knee. 



The prognosis is generally favorable. In case of a wound with 

 severance of the tendon, the wound should be thoroughly disinfected, 



