256 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



similar manifestaticns. The hind legs are almost as frequently 

 affected as the front and the fetlock region is most often injured, 

 though wounds may be inflicted to the coronet. In front, the 

 carpus is sometimes the site of injury. 



When only an abrasion is caused, little if any lameness oc- 

 curs, but where interfering is continued and nerves are involved 

 or subfascial infection and extensive inflammation succeed such 

 abrasions, marked lameness and evidence of great pain are mani- 

 fested. Frequently, in chronic eases affecting the hind leg, the 

 fetlock a.ssumes large proportions, and at times during the course 

 of every drive the subject strikes the niflamed part, immediately 

 flexing and abducting the injured member, and the victim hops 

 on the other leg until pain has somewhat subsided. 



Interfering is much more serious in animals that are used at 

 fast work than in draft horses. In light-harness or saddle horses, 

 it may render the subject practically valueless or unserviceable 

 if the condition cannot be corrected. 



Treatment. — AVherever possible, cause is to be removed and 

 if animals are properly used, ordinary interfering wounds will 

 yield to treatment. If the shoeing is faulty, this should be cor- 

 rected, the foot properly prepared and leveled before being shod 

 and suitable shoes applied. In young animals that become "leg- 

 weary ' ' from constant overwork, rest and recuperation are neces- 

 sary to enhance recovery. In such cases it will be found that 

 very light shoes, frequently reset, will tend to prevent injury to 

 the fetlock region such as characterizes these injuries of hind 

 legs. 



Palliative measures of various kinds are employed where 

 cause is not to be remioved and a degree of success attends 

 such effort. In draft horses or animals that are used at a slow 

 pace, shields of various kinds are strapped to the extremity 

 and protection is thus afforded. Or, large encircling pads of 

 leather, variously constructed, serve to cause the subject to 

 walk with the extremities apart. 



Interfering shoes of different types are of material benefit in 

 many instances. Often the principle upon which corrective shoe- 

 ing is based is that the mesial (inner) side of the foot is too 

 lew; the foot is consequently leveled and the innci- l)ranch of the 



