70 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



Chronic inflammation of the bicipital bursa is occasionally met 

 with wherein both members are afiPected. Because of the nature 

 of the structures involved, when inflamed, chronic inflammation 

 is a more frequent termination than is complete recovery. Bi- 

 lateral affections are seen in horses that are driven for years, 

 regularly at a fast pace on paved streets. In such cases, the 

 gait is stilted, that is, there is incomplete advancement of both 

 members and, of course, the period of weight bearing is cor- 

 respondingly shortened; hence the short strides. 



In chronic cases, little if any evidence of inflammation is to 

 be detected by digital manipulation of the parts. If flinching 

 occurs, one is often unable to interpret the manifestation as to 

 whether it is due to inflammation or not. 



There is no marked "warming out" in this condition, and ani- 

 mals are nearly as lame after having been driven a considerable 

 distance as when started, although the lameness is not as a rule 

 very great. 



Treatment. — In very painful cases acute inflammation is 

 treated by employing cold applications during the initial stage. 

 Cracked ice when contained in a suitable sack may be held in 

 contact with the affected part and the pack is supported by 

 means of cords or tapes as suggested in the discussion on treat- 

 ment of scapulohumeral arthritis on page 66. Later, hot appli- 

 cations may be employed to good advantage. 



In the course of ten days or two weeks, if the acute painful 

 condition has entirely subsided, vesication is indicated. The 

 ordinary mercury and cantharides combination does very well. 

 Depending upon the course taken in any given case, one is guided 

 in the treatment employed. If prompt resolution comes to 

 pass, the subject may be given free run at pasture after three 

 or four weeks confinement in a box stall. If, however, the case 

 does not progress in a prompt and satisfactory manner, abso- 

 lute quiet must be enforced for six weeks or more. Kepeated 

 blistering is beneficial, although it is doubtful if firing is of 

 sufficient benefit in the average chronic case of intertubercular 

 bursitis to justify the punishment which this form of treatment 

 inflicts, unless infliction of pain is the thing sought, to en- 



