LAMENESS IN THE FORE LEG 



05 



IMaiiy fully developed cases of eoiitraction of the tendons of 

 the carpal flexors are observed where the condition has become 

 established gradually and no lameness has resulted from tendin- 

 itis or carpitis. In some of these cases, subjects are stumblers 

 and when they are carelessly handled or kept at fast work over 

 irregular or hard roads, chronic carpitis with hyperplasia of the 

 structures of the anterior carpal region results, owing to frequent 

 bruising from falls. 



Fig. 10 — Contraction of carpal flexors, "knee sprung." 



Where inflammation is caused by a puncture wound and sub- 

 fascial infection occurs, there is evident manifestation of pain. 

 No weight is supported liy the affected member and because of 

 the pressure, occasioned by the swollen muscles confined within 

 the non-yielding brachial fascia, there exists marked supersensi- 

 tiveness of the affected parts. Flexion of the elliow is avoided 

 because contraction of the biceps l)rachii (flexor l)rachii) or the 

 extensors, which are antagonists of the flexors of the carpus, 

 tenses the carpal flexors and pain is thereby increased. 



However, in most instances, the practitioner's attention is not 

 directed to typical and uncomplicated cases, but to subacute or 

 chronic inHainmations which are often attended with contraction 

 of the tendinous pai'ts of the carpal fiexors, and in such cases 



