LAMENESS IN THE FORE LEG 155 



suits are not markedly different except in so far as the degree 

 of counter irritation which is produced varies in given cases. 

 Where a great degree of counter irritation is thought necessary, 

 line-firing with the actual cautery is the remedy par excellence. 



After-care.— In the course of three or four weeks subjects 

 may be allowed the run of a paddock and, after a complete rest 

 of six weeks at pasture, they may be returned to w^ork with care, 

 if the work is not of a nature to occasion concussion or other 

 manner of irritation to the articulation. 



Neurectomy is not indicated even though there is a recurrence 

 of lameness, unless the lameness is not pronounced and inflamma- 

 tion is periarticular and no osseous enlargements mechanically 

 interfere with function of the joint. There are few cases then, 

 where neurectomy is materially helpful. 



Ossification of the Cartilages of the Third Phalanx. 

 (Ossification of the Lateral Cartilages.) 



Anatomy and Function of the Cartilages. — Surmounting each 

 wing of the distal phalanx (os pedis) is the irregularly-quad- 

 rangular cartilage. The superior border of this cartilage is thin, 

 generally convex, and perforated for vessels to pass to the frog ; 

 the inferior border is attached to the wing of the third phalanx 

 and posteriorly, it is reflected inward and is continuous with 

 the inferior surface of the sensitive frog. The anterior border 

 which is directed obliquely downward and ])ackward becomes 

 blended with the anterior lateral ligament of the coffin joint. 

 The fibrous expansion of the anterior digital extensor (extensor 

 pedis) is united to the anterior borders of the lateral cartilages. 



According to Smith^ : These structures form an elastic wall 

 to the sensitive foot, and attachment to the vascular laminae; 

 they also admit of increase in width occurring at the posterior 

 part of the foot without destroying the union of the two set of 

 leaves. Further, by their connection with the vascular system 

 of the foot, their elastic movements materially assist the circu- 

 lation. The primary use of the lateral cartilages is to render 

 the internal foot elastic, and admit of its change in shape which 

 occurs under the influence of the weight of the body. The 



^Manual of Veterinary Physiology, by Major-General F. Smith, C. B., 

 C. M. G., page 678. 



