CUKB 



301 



In both these cases the condition generally described as "curby" or "sickle" 

 hocks is represented (Plate XIII, Vol. I). It is also said that hocks, when 

 small at their point of union with the canon "tied-in" hocks, as they are 

 termed are specially prone to develop curbs. 



The exciting causes of this disease are such as impose sprain or undue 

 tension on the ligaments and tendons behind the hock; hence it results 

 when animals are called upon to carry too 

 much weight, and especially when young or 

 out of condition. In any case, it may be 

 induced by galloping in deep ground, jump- 

 ing, kicking, rearing, and heavy draught. 



Symptoms. The existence of a curb 

 is indicated by the presence of a curved or 

 convex enlargement at the lower part of the 

 hock behind, where it breaks the straight 

 line which usually marks the course of the 

 leg between the point of the hock and the 

 fetlock (fig. 369). In some instances it is 

 very slight, and the appearance may re- 

 quire to be verified by careful manipulation, 

 while in others it presents a very consider- 

 able and pronounced enlargement. In the 

 diagnosis of curb the fact must not be over- 

 looked that in some horses whose hocks are 

 " rough" or coarse in conformation, undue 

 development of the head or upper extremity 

 of the outer splint-bone may give the part a 

 curby appearance, especially when the curb 

 is viewed from the outer side. Careful ex- 

 amination, however, will show that the un- 

 due prominence is limited to the seat of the 

 outer splint-bone, and does not extend across 

 the back of the hock as in curb proper. 



In addition to swelling, more or less heat, pain, and lameness usually 

 result as the immediate effects of the injury. The action of the horse is 

 peculiar in the fact that the animal, in endeavouring to relieve the injured 

 part, throws the weight of the body on the toe or the front of the foot, 

 according as the case is severe or otherwise, and progresses much after the 

 manner of a horse suffering from spavin. In the slighter forms of the 

 disease lameness is but little in evidence, and sometimes hardly perceptible, 

 save when weight is placed on the back or special effort is made in draught. 



Fig. 369. Curb 



