196 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



and the outcome in this case is not a matter of record. Whether 

 there existed a psoic phlegmon due to metastatic infection or 

 necrosis of a part of a lumbar or dorsal vertebra is a matter for 

 speculation. Thus the presence of some anomalous conditions 

 which affect the pelvic region and cause lameness may be dis- 

 covered, yet both in hip and shoulder regions causes may not be 

 definitely located by means of practical methods of examination. 



Injuries of all kinds are the more frequent causes of hip lame- 

 ness. In such cases, lameness may result directly and resolution 

 be prompt, or the claudication become aggravated in time, due 

 to muscular atrophy or degenerative changes affecting the hip 

 joint or nerves. Rheumatism or metastatic infection may be 

 the cause of hip lameness as well as affections of the pelvic ])ones, 

 lum])ar and sacral vertebrae. Hip lameness may also be pro- 

 voked by melanotic or other tumors. 



In the diagnosis of hip lameness, one is guided in a general 

 way by the character of the impediment manifested. Swinging- 

 leg lameness is often present and the impediment is more ac- 

 centuated when the animal is caused to step backward. In many 

 cases lameness is ndxed, being about equally noticeable during 

 weight bearing and while the member is being swung. By ex- 

 clusion of causes which might affect other parts, one may defi- 

 nitely locate the cause of the trouble or determine that a certain 

 region is affected. 



The sudden manifestation of lameness is indicative of injury ; 

 thermic disturbances may signalize metastatic infection ; history, 

 if dependable, is always helpful. Repeated observations, taking 

 into account the course which the affection assumes during a 

 period of a few days, often serve to afford a means of establish- 

 ing a diagnosis in liaffling cases. 



Fractures of the Pelvic Bones. 



The OS innominatum may be so fractured that the pelvic girdle 

 is broken, as in fracture of the iliac shaft, or in a manner that 

 the girdling continuity of the innominate bones is not inter- 

 rupted. It naturally follows that greater injury is done when 

 the pelvic girdle is 1)roken than when it is not, except in cases 



