LAMENESS IN THE FORE LEG 81 



to keep the affected leg in a position of carpal extension, consti- 

 tute the essential part of treatment. The leg is supported in 

 such a manner that flexion of the carpus is impossible. Due re- 

 gard is given to prevent chafing or pressure necrosis by contact 

 of the skin with the braces — this may be done by bandaging with 

 cotton. The supportive appliance is kept in position for ten 

 days or two weeks. At the end of this time the brace may be 

 removed and the subject given a chance to walk, and improve- 

 ment, if any exists, will be evident. When there is manifested 

 an amelioration of the condition, moderate daily exercise and 

 massage of the affected parts are helpful. 



Should the subject be seriously inconveuienced by the applica- 

 tion of a brace or other supportive appliances, it is necessary 

 to employ slings. Further, if weight is supported entirely by 

 the unaffected member, laminitis may supervene if a sling is not 

 used. 



Thrombosis of the Brachial Artery. 



Thrombosis of the brachial artery or of its i^rincipal branches 

 is of very rare occurrence in horses. 



Etiology. — Partial or complete obstruction of arteries 

 (brachial or others) occurs as the result of direct injury to the 

 vessel wall from compression and tension of muscles and re- 

 sultant arteritis ; lodging of emboli ; and parasitic invasion of 

 vessel walls causing internal arteritis. 



Symptomatology. — If sufficient collateral circulation exists to 

 supply the parts with blood, no inconvenience is manifested while 

 the subject is at rest. Where the lumen of the affected vessel 

 is not completely occluded, there may be no manifestation of 

 lameness when the ailing animal is moderately exercised. Con- 

 sequently, the degree of lameness depends upon the extent of 

 the obstruction to circulation ; and, likewise, the course and 

 prognosis depend upon the character and extent of such obstruc- 

 tion. 



In severe eases, lameness is markedly increased by causing 

 the animal to travel at a fast pace for only a short distance. There 

 are evinced symptoms of pain, muscular tremors and sudation, 

 but the affected member remains drv and there is a marked dif- 



