48 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



subject to keep the tendons so tense that crepitation may not 

 be detected. The unnecessary infliction of pain is always to be 

 avoided. 



We know as false crepitation a vibrating impulse occasioned 

 by normal contact of articular portions of bones such as in the 

 metacarpophalangeal joint when this structure is passively 

 moved, where the subject permits the parts to remain in a state 

 of complete relaxation. 



Attempts to recognize supersensitiveness or inflammation by 

 means of passive movement of the shoulder or hip, whether 

 gently or forcefulty, is not productive of good, in any case, in 

 large animals. Because of the bulk and weight of parts so 

 manipulated, a.s well as the resistance the subject offers even 

 in normal cases, no accurate conclusion is to be arrived at in 

 this manner in the average instance. Animals nearly always 

 resist the placing of members in any position that is so unusual 

 and uncomfortable as that which is required to materially dis- 

 place the component tissues of the shoulder or hip ; therefore, 

 such ])raetiee is useless because one can not distinguish between 

 normal resistance and flinching caused by painful sensations in 

 injured parts. Such manipulations are practical in small ani- 

 mals. 



Observing the Character of the Gait. 



In order to determine the degree of lameness as well as its 

 character, it is necessary to cause the s'ubject which is being 

 examined, to move in some manner. The degree of inconvenience 

 or distress experienced by a lame animal that is being so ex- 

 amined is manifested l)y the character of the claudication ; and 

 where much pain is occasioned in locomotion there is disturbance 

 of respiration ; perspiration may be noticeable and in some in- 

 stances manifestation of nervous shock are very evident — this in 

 timid, nervous animals that anticipate being punished when 

 approached and, consequently, make every effort possible to 

 move when urged to do so. An animal, then, should be moved 

 only sufficiently to cause it to exhibit the degree of lameness 

 present in any given case, and if a marked impediment is mani- 

 fested it is not necessary to cause the subject to be exerted to 



