50 



should be resorted to, and the animal turned out to grass. Firing, 

 before turning out, may be necessary, and generally has a good effect, 

 and good results are often obtained by the application of the adhesive 

 plaster bandage. When the animal is worked too long, and the case 

 neglected, the tendon becomes so much contracted, that the fetlock 

 knuckles over, and the animal walks on its toe. A special shoe, with a 

 turned-up toe, is required for this, and the operation of Tenotomy — 

 dividing the tendon — has to be performed. From this, it will be seen 

 how highly necessary it is to give rest in the first stages, and thus 

 obviate future ill-consequences. 



153. Break-down. — This is of common occurrence in racehorses, 

 steeplechasers, and hunters. The suspensory ligament, and even the 

 tendons themselves, give way, or fracture of the sesamoid bones 

 may occur, allowing the back of the fetlock to come to the ground. For 

 this cold water bandages, with splints, may be applied, until the active 

 inflammation is arrested; the animal should also be put on slings, and 

 dieted on mashes, or green food ; finally, a plaster-of- Paris bandage, 

 or the adhesive plaster bandage, may be applied, and the horse turned 

 out to grass. 



154. Sesamoiditis is inflammation of the joint at the back of the 

 fetlock, due to some injury, either to the small bones, or to the ligaments 

 or tendons in connection with them. [See Plate IX. No. 39). The 

 parts are much swollen, and tender to the touch ; while the fetlock 

 stands forward, and the animal steps short. When certain that this 

 is the seat of lameness, cold water bandages can be used first, with 

 complete rest ; and the adhesive plaster bandage may be applied, but 

 finally, blistering or firing may have to be resorted to. In the early 

 stages of both Break-down and Sesamoiditis, the cotton wadding 

 wrapping with bandage and splints can also be used as noted in 

 " Sprains of the Tendons." {See Par. 152.) 



155. Hip-Joint Lameness may arise from a variety of causes, 

 such as sprain of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments in connection 

 with the joint and the head of the hip-bone. As in the fore leg, the 



