LAMENESS IN THE FOEE-LEG. 31 



2. Peri- arthritis, mainly of the phalangeal articulations ; 

 lameness is intensified by turning the animal quickly on the 

 diseased leg or exercising it in a small circle. When at rest 

 the horse puts the foot down cautiously, and it is gradually 

 weighted. 



3. Diseases of the ligaments, tendons and tendon sheaths 

 of the inhibitory apparatus, especially the inferior and 

 superior sesamoidal ligaments, the flexor pedis perforans 

 and perforatus, and posterior ligaments of the coronet joint ; 

 also in navicular disease. In severe pain the fetlock 

 becomes upright ; this position is always seen when the 

 tendons are shortened. 



4. Hoof diseases. 



Lamenesses of this group are characterized by an 

 omission or shortening of the period of weight-bearing. 

 When at rest the animal is apt to point, and, should both 

 feet be affected, the weight is frequently shifted from one 

 leg to the other one. The sound leg is brought forward 

 quicker than normally, as the lame leg experiences pain in 

 sustaining Aveight. Although the lame leg is advanced at 

 regular intervals, it is carried abnormally beyond the foot- 

 prints of the sound leg, the posterior half of the step being 

 shortened. This causes an apparently retarded action 

 of the lame leg, which may lead to errors, mistaking 

 supporting-leg lameness for swinging-leg lameness. In 

 cases of doubt, the animal is moved in a circle, the lame leg 

 being on the inner side of the circle ; the weight is thus 

 increased on the lame leg, and supporting-leg lameness 

 becomes more pronounced ; for this reason going down hill 

 increases lameness. 



Supporting-leg lameness, with abnormal position of the 

 entire limb, as abduction, is present in: 



