LAMENESS IN THE FORE LEG 103 



tion sometimes cause death. If the subject does not soon suc- 

 cumb, it is compelled to undergo days or even weeks of unneces- 

 sary suffering, and too often in such cases, it is later deemed 

 advisable to destroy the animal because of the cost of continuing 

 treatment until the horse is serviceable. Therefore, it is evident 

 that when such joints as the carpus or tarsus are open and infec- 

 tion exists, if they are not promptly treated and the infectious 

 process checked, it is neither humane nor practical to prolong 

 treatment. 



Distinction must be made between the different joints wher, 

 infected as the condition is much more serious in some cases 

 than in others. All things considered, perhaps open joints rank, 

 with respect to being serious cases as follows: elbow, navicular, 

 stifle, tarsus, carpus, fetlock and pa.stern. This, of course, is 

 restricted to articulations of the locomotory apparatus. 



Treatment. — Preliminary care in the treatment of an open 

 carpal joint, is the same as has been described in this condition 

 as it affects the scapulohumeral articulation described on page 

 65. Likewise the further treatment of such cases is along the 

 same lines except that where it is possible, the parts are kept cov- 

 ered with cotton and bandages. However, in some cases, animals 

 have been successfully treated without bandaging and by keep- 

 ing the patient in a standing position and on pillar reins until 

 recovery resulted. Such cases were of the non-infectious type 

 and recovery was possible within three or four weeks. Further, 

 the condition is not sufficiently painful in such instances as to 

 prevent the subjects bearing weight with the affected member ; 

 hence, no danger of resulting laminitis is incurred. And finally, 

 where bandages are not employed, the frequent use of antiseptic 

 dusting powders is substituted for cotton as a protector. 



When l)andaged, such wounds need dressing more or less fre- 

 quently, as individual instances demand. The purulent infective 

 inflammation of a carpal joint will recpiire daily dressing; where- 

 as, in other cases (non-infective), semi-weekly change of band- 

 ages is sufficient. E(|ual parts of l)oric acid and exsiccated alum 

 constitute a suitalile combination for the treatment of these 

 cases, and this powder should be liberally employed. Tincture 

 of iodin may be injected into the joint capsule where there is 



