DISEASES OF THE FORE-LIMB 151 



with antiseptics are necessary until the inflammation has largely 

 disappeared and healing is rapidly taking place. It may be 

 advisable to tie the horse in the stall so that it can not lie down. 



Distended Synovial Sacs, Joint Sheaths and Bursae, 

 " Galls." — Soft enlargements may occur in the region of the 

 knee and fetlock. They are commonly termed " galls," " wind- 

 galls," or " road-puffs." They are usually due to the sheaths 

 surrounding the tendons becoming distended with synovia. 

 " Galls " are caused by strains, direct injury to the part and 

 severe, continuous work. Certain individuals may develop this 

 class of blemishes without being subject to any unusual con- 

 ditions. This condition is seldom accompanied by lameness. 



The treatment may vary in the different cases. If the dis- 

 tended sheath, or bursal enlargement, is caused by a direct injury 

 or strain, cold bandages should be applied and the part given 

 as complete rest as possible. " Wind-galls " may be removed by 

 a surgical operation. It is not advisable to attempt the removal 

 of " road-puffs." Eest, stimulating leg washes and bandages 

 may temporarily remove the latter. 



Sprung Knees (Buck Knees). — This condition of the knee 

 is characterized by the partly flexed condition of the region. It 

 is best observed by standing to one side of the horse (Fig. 33). 

 Instead of the forearm and cannon regions appearing perpendicu- 

 lar or in line, they are directed forward. This condition may 

 exist in varying degrees. Some individuals show it to a slight 

 degree, the condition being accompanied by a weakness or shaki- 

 ness of the knee when standing at rest. Sometimes, but one knee 

 is involved. 



The causes of this unsoundness are hereditary and accidental. 

 Weak knees due to faulty conformation seldom escape becoming 

 sprung in animals that are given hard work. Severe and con- 

 tinuous driving is a common factor in the production of this 

 condition. Strains of the flexor muscles of the region may cause 

 it. The retraction of the flexor muscles and their tendons and 



