202 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



domestic animals. The deep cotyloid cavity renders disarticula- 

 tion ditBcult and luxation does not often take place. Complica- 

 tions that usually occur are rupture of the round (coxofemoral) 

 ligament or fracture of the neck of the femur. Falls or violent 

 strains are necessary to produce this luxation. Goubaux is 

 quoted by Cadiot and Almy^ as having observed the head of the 

 femur in an instance wherein luxation had long existed. In this 

 case autopsy revealed the fact that the inner portion (two-thirds) 

 of the head of the femur had completely disappeared. 



Luxation of the femur is observed in old emaciated animals 

 that are worked on slippery pavements. Occasionally, evidence 

 of chronic luxation of the femur is observed in the anatomical 

 laboratory. The chronicity of the condition is o])vious when 

 one notes the well formed articulation which Nature provides 

 for the head of the femur, where fractuie or other serious com- 

 plications are not present. 



Symptomatology. — In every case there must exist either 

 restriction of movement or an evident abnormal position of the 

 leg, or both conditions may exist at once. Also, the leg may be 

 markedly shortened. IManifestation of this affection varies, de- 

 pending upon the character of the luxation (position of the 

 head of the humerus with relation to the acetabulum). Lusk^ 

 cites a case of a mule which had suffered femoral luxation. The 

 animal was destroyed and on autopsy the head of the fenuir 

 found to be contained within a false articular cavity situated 

 about four inches above the acetabulum. In Dr. Lusk's case as 

 he states it, the following symptoms were presented: "Limb 

 shortened and fixed in a position of adduction. While standing 

 the affected limb hung directly across and in front of the oppo- 

 site one ; upper trochanter very prominent ; skin over hip joint 

 very tense. The mobility of the limb was very limited, especially 

 in the forward direction." 



Being very prominent when there is an upward luxation and 

 less perceptible in downward displacement, the location of the 

 trochanter major is an indicator of the character of the luxation 

 with respect to the positicm of the head of the femur. This 



iTraite de Therapeutique Chiruig-ical, Tome .second, pase ido. 

 =Luxation of the Femur, by AVm. V. Lusk, Veterinary Surgeon, U. S. 

 Cavalry, American Veterinary Review, Vol. 21, page 254. 



