150 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



Thecitis and Bursitis in the Fetlock Region. 



Etiology and Occurrence. — Synovial distension of tendon 

 sheaths and bursae in the region of the fetlock are caused by 

 the same active agencies which produce this condition in other 

 parts. The fetlock region is exposed to more frequent injury 

 than is the carpus and as a consequence is more often affected. 

 The same proportionate amount of irritation affects this part 

 of the leg, owing to strains, as affect the carpus from a similar 

 cause; and synovitis from this cause, is as frequent in one case 

 as in the other. Therefore, it is a natural sequence that the 

 tendon sheaths of the metacarpophalangeal region are frequently 

 distended because of chronic synovitis and thecitis. These in- 

 flammations are usually non-infective in character. 



The cul-de-sac of the capsular ligament of the fetlock joint 

 which extends upward between the bifurcation of the suspensory 

 ligament is the most frequently affected structure in this region. 

 When distended, tM-'o spheroidal masses bulge laterally and an- 

 terior to the flexor tendons in a characteristic manner. This 

 condition is known among horsemen as "wind-gall" or "fet- 

 lock-gall." 



The sheath of the flexor tendons, whieli begins about the mid- 

 dle portion of the lower third of the metacarpus, and continues 

 downward below the pastern joint is often distended. 



Excepting in cases of acute inflammation attending synovitis 

 of these parts, no lameness marks its existence and in chronic 

 cases of synovial distension the service of affected animals is not 

 interfered with. These distensions constitute unsightly blemishes 

 and they are treated chiefly for this reason. 



No difficulty is encountered in recognizing these conditions 

 even where considerable organization of tissue overlying dis- 

 tended thecae occurs. In such cases there may be only slight 

 fluctuation of the enlargement, but if necessary, an aseptic ex- 

 l)l()ratory puncture may lie nmde with a suitable needle or tro- 

 car. 



