64 LASrENESS IN THE HORSE. 



bone posteriorly ; it expands, reaching the posterior face 

 of the OS coronae, being prolonged between the two lateral 

 ligaments. (Chauveau). 



1.— Luxation of the Phalanges, 



History. — Lameness following jumping and violent 

 struggles to free the foot, which has become entangled in 

 some way or other. 



Inspection. — Decided change in the relation of the bones 

 of the joint. Excessive dorsal flexion of the fetlock suggests 

 rupture of the flexor tendons, allowing the lower end of the 

 metacarpal bone to descend; should the sesamoidal 

 ligaments and the lateral ones be torn, the lower end of 

 the metacarpal bone can be seen in front of the joint. When 

 seen on the outside or inside of the joint, the lateral 

 ligaments are ruptured. 



PaliKition. — Detects the abnormal position of the 

 dislocated bone, and, unless swelling is too severe, the torn 

 ends of the tendons or ligaments can be directly felt. 



2.— Distortion of the Phalangeal Articulations. 



History. — Sudden lameness following slips, and, in fact, 

 anything stretching the ligaments excessively. 



Inspection. — While at rest the phalangeal articulations are 

 in volar flexion, — that is, the animal knuckles over at the 

 fetlock. After some time the lame leg may support weight 

 when standing on level ground, but any sudden move, such as 

 turning him around, immediately causes pronounced 

 lameness. There is lameness, both when the leg is carried 

 forward (swinging-leg lameness), and when weight is put 

 upon it (supporting-leg lameness); the latter type, as a 

 rule, predominates, especially when turning. 



