^S6 THE FARM DOCTOR. 



limb is usually carried very straight, there being little or no 

 bending of either hock or stifle. It is to be treated in the 

 ordinary way by soothing measures followed by blisters or 

 firing. 



Lacerations of the muscle^ or more frequently rupture of the 

 tendon occurs, causing the hock to be carried straight and the 

 shank dangling nearly in a line with the leg. In some instances 

 from violent contraction of the extensor muscles, the foot may 

 be jerked out backward when the patient is started. In injury 

 to the muscle there is at first a depression at the part with 

 swelling above and below, but soon the hollow fills up and may 

 become prominent, soft, and doughy. In rupture of the tendon 

 the depressed interval, or later, a soft doughy swelling on the 

 line of the cord in front of the hock, is sufficiently character- 

 istic. 



Treatment. — Rest, and astringent lotions to the part (acetate 

 of lead 3 drs., water i qt) These cases almost always do 

 well. 



SPRAIN OF THE HAMSTRING. 



This is productive of lameness with manifest pain in extend- 

 ing the hock and a jerk in lifting the limb, and is easily recog- 

 nised by the firm swelling of the cord above the point of the 

 hock. It is to be treated by a high-heeled shoe, with fomenta- 

 tions and subsequently blisters on the part. 



RUPTURE OF THE HAMSTRING. 



This is much more serious, the hock and fetlock bending so 

 as to render the limb useless whenever weight is placed upoi^ 

 it. The separation ot the divided ends can easily be fek 

 through the skin. 



Treatment. — If in large quadrupeds place in slings. In all 

 apply an immovable bandage, end splints extending trom the 

 foot to some way above the hock, so as to keep that joint fully 

 extended. 



