34 



LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 



the hoof resting on the heel only. Horizontal fracture of 

 the sesamoid bones, rupture of the inferior sesamoidal 

 ligament. 



Fig. 2. 

 Rupture of: 

 1, Suspensory Ligament ; 2, Flexor Perforatus; 



Flexor Perforans. 



9. Yolar flexion of the phalanges, as in shortening, and 

 inflammation of the tendons flexing the phalanges ; if pain 

 and inflammation are not severe, volar flexion of the fetlock 

 joint disappears on cessation of the inflammatory process, 

 but if it persists a long time, volar flexion of the fetlock and 

 carpus are permanent. Acute inflammatory processes in 

 the sheaths of the flexors, especially the flexor pedis per- 

 forans ; sesamoidal and navicular sheaths, inflammatory 

 conditions of the phalangeal articulations, as synovitis, peri- 

 arthritis, mainly about the coronet and pedal articulation; 

 painful conditions in the posterior region of the hoof, as 

 corns and similar affections ; disease of these parts, often 

 followed by cedematous swellings of the subcutis near the 

 flexor tendons, may be mistaken for disease of the flexor 

 tendons. Volar flexion of the phalanges may or may not be 

 accompanied by lameness. If it depends on chronic changes 

 of the flexors, both legs are usually deformed, and a short 

 and stumbling gait results. 



