140 



LAMENESS OP THE HORSE 



inent exists, by noting an absence of abnormal tenseness of this 

 structure. And finall}^ contraction of the suspensory ligament 

 is of rare occurrence. 



Contraction of the deep flexor tendon (perforans) causes an 

 elevation of the heel. The foot can not set flat because the in- 

 sertion of the deep flexor tendon to the solar surface of the distal 

 phalanx (os pedis) causes — when the tendon is contracted — a 

 rotation of the distal phalanx on its transverse axis — hence the 



Fig-. 22 — A chronic case of contraction of both flexor tendons of the pha- 

 langes. In this case (presented at a clinic of the Kansas City Veterinary 

 College) because of long continued contraction of the flexors, which pre- 

 vented weight being supported with any degree of comfort, there resulted a 

 partial paralysis of the extensors, and consequently the extremity was 

 dragged on the ground. 



raised heel. No other tendon has this same effect on the distal 

 phalanx and the condition is correctly diagnosed without diffi- 

 culty. 



Course and Complications. — This condition may exist for 

 years without causing the subject any serious inconvenience, if 

 the affected animal is kept at suitable work. In other instances 

 recurrent attacks of lameness are of such frequent occurrence 

 that the subject is not fit for service. Many affected animals 

 that are kept in service in spite of lameness (and in some in- 



