154 NON-SPECIFIC OR GENERAL DISEASES 



the tendons of the forefeet, inHammation of these tendons is 

 far more common than it is in the hindfoot. Diseased conditions 

 of the hind tendons are nsually dne to other causes than strain. 



The following predisposing and accidental causes should be 

 considered: Weak flexor-tendons and heavy bodies predispose 

 animals to inflammation of the tendons and suspensory ligament ; 

 quality, not size, is the factor to consider when judging the 

 strength of a tendon ; long, slender pasterns increase the strain 

 on these structures, and this mechanical strain is further in- 

 creased by low heels and long toes ; the character of the work and 

 the condition of the road that the animal travels over are im- 

 portant factors to consider ; trotting and running horses more 

 often suffer from injuries to tendons and ligaments than draft 

 horses ; travelling at a high rate of speed over an uneven road, 

 slipping and catching the foot in a rut or car track, are common 

 causes ; bruises and wounds may result in the tendons becoming 

 inflamed ; inflammation of the tendinous sheaths and tlie tendons 

 as well sometimes occurs in influenza. 



Lameness is a prominent symptom. The pastern is held in 

 a more upright position than normal, ^\^len the animal is stand- 

 ing, the foot is rested on the toe, and it may take advantage of 

 any uneven place on which to rest the heel. In severe strains the 

 local symptoms are quite prominent. The tendons may be hot 

 and swollen. Pressure may cause the animal pain. In chronic 

 tendinitis the tendon may be thickened and rough or knotty. 

 Pain is not a prominent symptom in this class of cases. Shorten- 

 ing of the inflamed tendon may occur, causing the animal to 

 knuckle over. Rupture of one or more of the tendons and the 

 suspensory ligament can be recognized by the abnormal exten- 

 sion of the pastern. If the ruptured tendon heals, it always 

 results in a thickening at the point of the rupture that gives the 

 tendons a bowed appearance. This is termed bowed-tendon. 



The lameness resulting from an inflammation of tendons 



