224 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



In a foal the author has in one instance succeeded in obtain- 

 ing complete recovery in a simple fracture of the lower third 

 of the tibia where the only support given the broken bone was 

 a four-inch plaster-of-paris bandage which was adjusted above 

 the hock. Below the tarsus a cotton and gauze bandage was ap- 

 plied to prevent swelling of the extremity. In this instance 

 (an emergency case in which materials that are not to be recom- 

 mended were necessarily employed) recovery took place within 

 thirty days. 



As has been mentioned in the consideration of radial frac- 

 tures, heavj^ leather is better suited for immobilization of these 

 parts than a cast or other rigid splint materials. Mature ani- 

 mals may be expected to resist the immobilization of the hind 

 legs because of the normal manner of flexion of the tarsal and 

 stifle joints in unison. Therefore, the application of rigid splints 

 to the leg and including the hock is productive of disastrous 

 results in some eases. 



The application of cotton and bandages to pad the member 

 and the adjustiug of heavy leather splints on either side of the 

 leg, and retaining them in position with four-inch gauze band- 

 ages will prove more nearly satisfactory than some other meth- 

 ods employed. Prognosis is unfavorable, however, in most cases 

 of compound fracture and recovery is improbable when the 

 upper portion of the tibia is broken. 



Rupture and Wounds of the Tendo AchilHs. 



Etiology and Occurrence. — Cases are recorded by Uhlridi 

 in which rupture has followed degenerative changes affecting 

 the tendo Achillis. Not infrequently, the result of a trauma, 

 division of the tendo Achillis occurs. IMoller states that rupture 

 of this tendon may be due to jumping, in riding horses and in 

 draught horses, in their efforts to avoid slipping. In runaways, 

 it sometimes occurs where sharp-edged implements are l)Ounced 

 against the legs in such fashion tliat division of tlie tendon re- 

 sults. 



Symptomatology.— AVith division of the tendo Aeliillis or 

 of the musculature of the gastrocnemii and the superficial flexor 



