96 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



carpitis is present. Animals so affected have lost the rigidity 

 Avhich characterizes the normal carpal joint when the leg is a 

 weight bearing member, and because of its sprung condition, 

 the leg trembles when supporting weight. 



Treatment. — Acute inflammation is treated by means of local 

 application of cold or hot packs until the pain and acute stage 

 of inflammation has subsided and later stimulating liniments 

 are indicated. Absolute quiet must be enforced. Especially 

 where the carpus is involved must the subject be kept quiet until 

 all evidence of inflammation has subsided. 



The application of vesicants or line-firing is beneficial in sub- 

 acute inflammation of the tendons of the carpal flexors. Where 

 contraction of tendons exists and no osseous or ligamentous 

 change prevents correction of the condition, tenotomy is neces- 

 sary. The reader is referred to Merillat's "Veterinary Surgery"^ 

 for a good description of the technic of this operation. 



In all serious cases of inflammation of the carpal flexors, 

 whether tenotomy has been performed or not, the subject needs 

 a long period of rest subsequent to treatment. In fact, three 

 or four months at pasture is necessary to permit of recovery 

 and this where no congenital deformity has predisposed the sub- 

 ject to such affection of the flexors. Return to work must be 

 gradual and the character of the work such as to enable the 

 animal to become inured to service without a recurrence of the 

 trouble if possible. 



It follows then, that tenotomy, here as in other cases, is not 

 practical from an economic viewpoint, unless the animal be of 

 sufficient value to justify the long period of rest for recovery. 

 Tenotomy is not of practical benefit unless ample time is allowed 

 for regeneration of divided tendinous tissue. 



Fracture and Luxation of the CarpaJ Bones. 



Etiolog-y and Occurrence. — Fracture of the carpal bones is of 

 infrequent occurrence in horses and, wlien it does occur, it is 

 usually due to injuries, and because of their nature (resulting 

 as they generally do from heavy falls or in being run over by 



""^Veterinary Surgical Operations, by L. A. Merillat, Vol. 3, p. 19S. 



