LAMENESS IN THE FORE LEG 



141 



stances where no lameness is present), soon become unservice- 

 able because of contraction of the inflamed tendon. This, in 

 fact, is the condition which eventually becomes established in 

 most instances. 



Treatment. — Where conformation is not too faulty so that 

 recovery may be expected, good results are obtained by line- 

 firing the tendons and allowing the subject a few months' rest. 



Fig. 23 — Contraction of the superficial and deep flexor tendons (perforatus 

 and perforans) of the left fore leg. 



In some cases median neurectomy is advisable. This is recom- 

 mended by Breton^ as being productive of good results even 

 where contraction of tendons exists and tenotomy is done. 



By shoeing with high heel-calks considerable strain is taken 

 from the inflamed tendons because of the changed position of 

 the foot which alters the distribution of weight on different parts 

 of the leg. Rubber pads materially diminish concussion and 



^Traits De Therapeutique Chirursicale Des Animaux Domestique. par 1'. J. 

 Cadiot et J. Almy, Tome Second, page 547. 



