144 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



Whether the tendons are manually stretched or not, splints 

 should be adjusted to the affected members. The legs are padded 

 with cotton and bandages and a suitable splint is applied on 

 either side of the members and securely fixed in position by 

 bandaging. 



The splints are kept in position for four or five days and then 

 removed for inspection of the affected parts. If necessary, they 

 are reapplied and left in position for a week; however, this is 

 unnecessary in the average case that is treated in this manner. 



"Where contraction exists to the extent that the subject can 

 not stand and where no weight is borne by the feet, it is neces- 

 sary to divide the affected tendons surgically. The same technic 

 is put into practice that is employed in the mature subject but 

 there is much greater chance for a favorable outcome in the foal. 

 Further, if necessary, one may divide with impunity, both ten- 

 dons ou each leg, at the same time. In all cases this operation 

 is done by observing strict aseptic precautions and the legs are, 

 of course, bandaged. If both tendons are divided, splints should 

 be employed and kept in position for ten days or two weeks. 

 Primary union of the small surgical wound of the skin and 

 fascia occurs in forty-eight hours. 



The reader is referred to William's "Veterinary Surgical 

 and Obstetrical Operations," for a complete description of this 

 operation. 



In veterinary literature there is occasionally described a con- 

 dition which affects young foals wherein symptoms similar to 

 those of contraction of the flexors are manifested, but upon 

 examination it is found that rupture of the extensor of the 

 digit (extensor pedis) exists. This affection is briefly described 

 by Cadiot but no complete treatise on this condition has been 

 published. 



In parts of Canada foals of from one to three days of age 

 are found affected in such manner that more or less interference 

 with the gait is to be seen in those moderately affected. There 

 is, in some subjects, only a slight impediment in locomotion 

 which is occasioned by inability to properly extend the digit. 

 In other subjects, while able to stand and walk, great difficulty 

 is experienced because of volar flexion of the phalanges. The 

 more seriously affected animals are unable to stand and. in most 

 instances, perish because of the effects of prolonged decubitus. 



