294 



HEALTH AND DISEASE 



SPRAIN OF THE RADIAL OR SUPRA-CARPAL LIGAMENT 



This accident occurs in resisting over-extension of the superficial flexor 

 muscle of the fore-limb when undue weight is imposed upon it (fig. 354). 



Symptoms. Besides lameness, there is heat, swelling, and tenderness 

 just above and behind the knee-joint, with more or less inability to bear 

 weight on the affected limb. In severe cases the leg is advanced some- 

 what stiffly and with as little bending of the knee as possible. 



Treatment. In slight cases the frequent applica- 

 tion to the part of a cooling lotion, consisting of chloride 

 of ammonium and nitrate of potash dissolved in water, 

 with the addition of spirits of wine and acetic acid, 

 conjoined with rest, may suffice to bring about a cure. 

 In sprain of a more severe character hot fomentations, 

 followed by counter-irritation or blistering and in some 

 cases even firing, may be called for. A dose of physic 

 to cool the system, and a grass diet if available, are 

 useful adjuncts to the measures prescribed. 



SPRAIN OF THE CHECK LIGAMENT 



This ligament (fig. 366), it will be remembered, 

 has its origin behind the knee, and joins the perforans 

 tendon about one -third of the distance between the 

 knee and fetlock-joint. 



Sprain of this important structure is not uncommon, 

 especially in draught -horses when engaged in moving- 

 heavy loads out of deep holding ground or over slippery 

 surfaces. In race-horses and hunters it usually occurs 

 in the last efforts of a hard finish, or towards the close 

 of a long run when the muscles are tired, and the ligaments are called upon 

 to bear an undue amount of weight and resist the impulse of velocity. 



Symptoms. This accident is indicated by the appearance of a hot 

 painful enlargement immediately below and behind the knee, accompanied 

 by considerable lameness, the most prominent feature of which is that the 

 heel of the foot is not brought to the ground in progression, and the weight 

 of the body is quickly transferred to the opposite limb. When standing, 

 the fetlock is maintained in a semi-flexed condition, and such weight as the 

 foot receives is imposed upon the anterior part. With the effusion and 

 swelling which follows severe sprain to this structure it may be difficult 

 to determine accurately what parts are involved, and to what extent. 



Fig. 366. The Check 

 Ligament 



1, Flexor Pedis Perforatus. 



2, Flexor Pedis Perforans. 

 S, Check Ligament. 



4, Sheath. 



5, Suspensory Ligament. 

 , Extensor Pedis. 



7, Flexor Metacarpi Exter- 

 nus. 



