LAMENESS IN THE PORE LEG 147 



during certain attitudes which are taken by horses in hurdle 

 jumping as is explained in detail by Montane and Bourdelle^ 

 under the description of this ligament. But in spite of the fre- 

 quent and unusually heavy strains, which these structures re- 

 ceive, complete rupture is not frequently seen. 



Symptomatology. — AYhen the anatomy and function of the 

 flexor tendons and suspensory ligament is thoroughly under- 

 stood, recognition of rupture of either of these structures is 

 easily recognized. When one considers that in rupture, a posi- 

 tion directly opposite to that which is seen in contraction in 

 either one of these structures, is assumed, a detailed description 

 of each separate condition is needless repetition. 



However, it is pertinent to suggest that rupture of the deep 

 flexor tendon (perforans) allows a turning up of the toe. 

 Whether it be torn loose from its point of attachment or rup- 

 tured at some point proximal thereto, the position is the same 

 — heel flat on the ground, toe slightly raised and this raising 

 of the toe varies in degree as the subject moves al)out. 



AVhen the superficial flexor (perforatus) is ruptured there is 

 no change in the position of the foot but the fetlock joint is 

 slightly lowered. The pathognomonic symptom is the lax ten- 

 don during weight bearing, Avhich may l)e felt by palpation of 

 the tendon along its course in the metacarpal region. 



With complete rupture of the suspensory ligament there oc- 

 curs a marked dropping of the fetlock joint and an alinormal 

 amount of weight is then thrown upon the superficial flexor ten- 

 don (perforatus), causing it to be markedly tensed. This is 

 readily recognized by palpation. By palpating the suspensory 

 ligament from its proximal portion down to and beyond its 

 bifurcation, while the affected member is supporting weight, it 

 is possible to diagnose rupture of one of its branches. 



Prognosis and Treatment. — In rupture of the superficial 

 flexor tendon (perforatus) because of its comparatively less im- 

 portant function, prognosis is favorable and recovery takes place 

 when proper treatment is put into practice. 



lAnatomie Regionale Des Animaux Domestique, page 695. 



