Strains and Sprains. 235 



fore leg slipping outward or forward on the ground, in frosty 

 weather. The usual signs of inflammation may generally 

 be discovered around the elbow, on examination. 



BEEAZn^G DOWN— STRAIK- OF THE SUSPENSORY LIGAMEITT. 



The suspensory ligament is at the back part of the knee, 

 and passes down to the foot. Its strain usually takes place in 

 young, fast horses who are speeded beyond their powers. 

 When it comes on suddenly, with actual tearing of the liga- 

 ments, the horse at once becomes excessively, and often per- 

 manently, lame, and the injury is called " breaking down." 

 It may also appear gradually, and then, if taken in time, a 

 few months' rest and the ordinary treatment will restore the 

 parts to their original strength. 



The lameness, when from '' breaking down," appears sud- 

 denly, in either the fore or kind leg ; there is intense pain, 

 heat and swelling, the horse turns up his toes, and there is a 

 falling of the fetlock pads. , He stands on his fetlocks, as it 

 were, the toe being turned up and the sole looking forward. 

 The same symptoms, in a much milder form, mark the slower 

 and insidious form of the injury. 



WINDGALLS. 



Definition. — Dropsy of the bursa of the sesamoid bones at 

 the back part of the fetlock, or inflammation of the bones 

 themselves, with eflusion. 



This injury shows itself when it is in the form of wind- 

 galls, as soft, puffy swellings about the size of a hickory nut, 

 to the back and sides of the fetlock. They are not consid- 

 ered an unsoundness, as they can generally be dispersed by a 

 stimulating liniment and wearing a high-heeled shoe. Or 

 the swelling may be opened, the fluid allowed to escape, and 

 the sac mjected, as recommended for bog spavin, page 219. 



