SPRAIN OR STRAIN 



293 



Symptoms. Save in exceptional cases this accident is easy of diag- 

 nosis. The muscle is comparatively superficial, and can be seen and felt 

 to be swollen and tender to pressure, and to stand out distinctly from the 

 surrounding structures. There is difficulty in raising the limb from the 

 ground, and when this is attempted the toe is directed downward or the 

 foot may drag on the ground ; if the limb be flexed at the knee and then 

 forcibly drawn backward the animal evinces pain. The bursa in front of the 

 shoulder when sharing in the inflammation becomes more or less distended 

 with fluid. It not unfrequently happens that 

 injury to this muscle is associated with disease 

 affecting the upper end of the humerus (bicipital 

 groove) or arm-bone at their point of contact, 

 and the shoulder-joint may also be involved 

 at the same time. Owing to the large pro- 

 portion of fibrous tissue entering into the com- 

 position of the flexor brachii it is rendered 

 specially prone to ossification as the result of 

 inflammation. This change into bone com- 

 mences in the tendinous portion and may in- 

 volve the whole of its substance by degrees. 

 In case of other muscles of a more fleshy 

 character, it will be remembered that atrophy 

 and not ossification results from injury and 

 subsequent disuse. 



By some it is affirmed that it is almost 

 invariably the right shoulder which is affected, 

 and that the trouble is frequently incurred at 

 plough. If that be so an animal once affected 

 in this manner should not again be employed 

 for ploughing. 



Treatment. The chief aim is to give re- 

 pose to the injured muscle, and for this purpose the patient should be 

 confined to the stable. At first hot fomentations will be needed to 

 reduce existing inflammation. As soon as the acute lameness has passed 

 away blistering may be resorted to, and repeated once or twice according 

 to the circumstances of the case. After this a turn out on a level pas- 

 ture will prove beneficial. A blister-charge over the injured region is a 

 favourite method of treatment in some districts where experience of the 

 accident has given opportunities of observation on the different means 

 which may be employed. 



Fig. 365. The Flexor Brachii 

 (internal aspect) 



1, Scapula. 2, Humerus. 3, Raciius. 

 4, Ulna. 5, Flexor Brachii. 6, Ten- 

 don of origin of Flexor Brachii. 



