28 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



basis is probably more practical and we shall consider inflamma- 

 tion of bursae and thecae as infectious and noninfectious. 



Infectious bursitis and thecitis is usually the result of direct 

 introduction of septic material into the synovial structure by 

 means of injuries. Infection by contiguous extension occurs and 

 also metastatic involvement is met with occasionally. 



The noninfectious inflammation of bursae and thecae usually 

 result from contusions or strains and generally run their course 

 without becoming infective in character, where vitality and re- 

 sistance of the subject are normal. 



In a general way, inflammation and other affections of l)ursae 

 and thecae are considered very similar to like affections of joints. 



AFFECTIONS OF MUSCLES AND TENDONS, 



Muscles and tendons having to do with locomotion are more 

 frequently injured than are any of the other structures whose 

 function is to propel the body or sustain weight. This is due 

 in part to the exposed position of muscles and tendons. They 

 serve as a protection to the underlying structures and in this 

 manner receive many blows the force and violence of which are 

 spent before injury extends beyond these tissues. 



Muscles of the breast, shoulder and rump are most frequently 

 the recipient of injuries of various kinds. The abductors of the 

 thigh are subjected to bruising when horses are thrown astride 

 of wagon poles or similar objects. Thus in one way or another 

 muscle injuries are occasioned and cause lameness. 



Traumatic affection of muscles of locomotion may be surface 

 or sul)surface — subsurface with little injury done the skin and 

 fascia, but with subsurface extravasation of blood and maseera- 

 tion of tissue. Puncture wounds wherein the vulnerant body is 

 of small diameter, are observed, and they occasion deep seated 

 infectious inflammation of the parts affected, with surface 

 wounds that are often unnotieeable. Such injuries — puncture 

 wounds — are always serious, and because of the fact that there 

 exists little evidence of injury at the time of their infliction, 

 treatment is usually deferred several days and often infection 

 has become quite extensive when the practitioner is consulted. 



"Where infective wounds of muscles of locomotion occur, the 



