130 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



(Ligg Volaria)i consist of a central pair and a lateral and me- 

 dial bands which are attached below to the posterior margin of 

 the proximal end of the. second phalanx and its complementary 

 fibro-cartilage. The lateral and medial ligaments are attached 

 above to the middle of the borders of the first phalanx, tlie cen- 

 tral pair lower down and on the margin of the triangular rough 

 area." 



This portion of the inhibitory apparatus is described by 

 Strangewaj^s' Anatomy as two posterior ligaments which run 

 each from three points on the sides of the os suffraginis to a 

 piece of fibro cartilage, described as the glenoid cartilage, and 

 attached to the postero-superior edge of the os corouae ; between 

 them is the insertion of the inferior sesamoidean ligament. 



Etiolog-y and Occurrence. — Everything tending to increase 



strain upon these ligaments is contributory to possible fibrillary 

 fracture of these structures. Excessive leverage as furnished 

 by long toes, long toe-calks and low heels increases the normal 

 tension on the posterior ligaments of the pastern joint. Faulty 

 conformation, which throws an abnormal strain on these liga- 

 ments, is a predisposing cause of inflammation of these struc- 

 tures. Hard pulling upon slippery and rough or frozen roads 

 is a common exciting cause of this injury. The condition is of 

 comparatively frequent occurrence and is seen affecting draft 

 horses frequently, in the hind legs. 



Symptomatolog-y.— Lameness is the first manifestation of this 

 affection and weight bearing is painful in direct proportion to 

 the extent of injury present. Volar flexion of the phalanges 

 relieves tension on the parts ; therefore, this position is assumed 

 while the subject is at rest. When considerable tissue has been 

 ruptured, and the condition is very painful, the foot is held off 

 the ground as in ail painful affections of the extremity. 



By palpation evidence of pain is discernible, though very little 

 swelling occurs. Pain is increased by manual tension of the 

 parts which is done by grasping the toe of the foot and exerting 

 traction on the flexor apparatus. Care must be taken in execut- 

 ing such manipulations, and it is only by comparison of the 

 affected member with the sound one and noting the difference 



