156 NON-SPECIFIC OR GENERAL DISEASES 



articulation as well. It may be noticed in animals that have 

 ring-bone, or coffin-joint lameness. 



The most common cause for this unsoundness is inflammation 

 of the muscles and tendons of the flexors of the digit. As a 

 result of long standing or severe inflammation, shortening of 

 these structures occurs in consequence of the contraction of the 

 inflammatory or cicatricial tissue. Knuckling-over in the new- 

 born colt is commonly caused by a weakness or lack of innervation 

 of the extensor muscle of the digit. Judging from the quick 

 recovery that usually occurs, other causes for this condition 

 are seldom present. 



The treatment recommended for the new-born colt is sup- 

 porting the fetlock with a light plaster bandage. This should 

 be applied very soon after birth in order to prevent bruising of 

 the fetlock. A light cheese-cloth bandage should be applied to 

 the limb from the hoof to the knee. The colt is laid on its side, 

 the toe extended as much as possible, and the plaster bandage 

 applied. This should be removed in about one week and fresh 

 bandages applied. In about two weeks the young animal is 

 usually able to walk on the toe. As soon as it is able to do this 

 a bandage is unnecessary. It is not advisable to turn the colt 

 outside if there is any chance for the bandages to become wet. 



Knuckling-over due to faulty conformation is difficult to 

 correct. Light work and careful shoeing are the most valuable 

 preventive measures in young horses. Sprains and injuries to 

 the region of the fetlock should receive the necessary treatment. 

 The treatment for contracted tendon is largely surgical and con- 

 sists in sectioning it. 



Injuries Caused by Interfering. — Horses that have faulty 

 action may strike the opposite fetlock with the moving foot, the 

 inside of the opposite limb in the region of the knee, and the 

 quarters of the front foot with the shoe of the hindfoot. It is 

 very common for horses to " brush " the inside of the hind fetlock 

 with the opposite foot when trotting, especially if tired. Inter- 



