72 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



mation of the triceps brachii was caused by the intramuscular 

 injection of a caustic solution by a cruel and unscrupulous em 

 piric, whose object was to increase his practice. 



Symptomatology. — As the triceps brachii is not particularly 

 taxed during weight bearing in the su])ject at rest, there may 

 be no unnatural position assumed during inflammation of the 

 triceps. More or less swelling and supersensitiveness is always 

 present, however, and great care and discrimination must be ex- 

 ercised in digital manipulation of the triceps region because 

 many animals are normally sensitive to palpation of these parts. 

 It is sometimes difficult to correctly interpret the true state of 

 conditions because of this peculiarity. 



There is always swinging-leg-lameness, which is accentuated 

 when the subject is urged to trot. AVhere symptoms are pro- 

 nounced, it is unnecessary to cause the subject to move at a 

 faster pace than at a walk to recognize the condition. The for- 

 ward stride is shortened and in extremley painful conditions, no 

 attempt is made to extend the leg. It is simply carried en une 

 pipce — flexion of the shoulder and elbow joints is carefully 

 avoided. 



Treatraient. — During the early stage of inflammation, hot or 

 cold applications are beneficial. Long continued use of moist 

 heat — fomentations — allays pain and stimulates resolution. Keep- 

 ing in contact with the painfully swollen parts a suitable bag 

 filled with bran, which can be moistened at intervals with warm 

 water, constitutes a practical and easy means of treatment. By 

 employing this method, one is more likely to succeed in having 

 his patient properly cared for, in that less work is entailed than 

 if hot fomentations are prescribed. 



After the acute and painful stage has subsided, a stimulating 

 liniment is of benefit. The subject should be kept within a com- 

 fortable and roomy box stall for a sufficient length of time to 

 favor prompt resolution. Wild and nervous subjects, if not so 

 confined, will i)i-()1)ably overexert the affected parts if allowed 

 the freedom of a paddock or pasture. 



Where the inflammation liecomos infective, surgical interfer- 

 ence is necessary. The prompt evacuation of pus, with adequate 



