LAMENESS IN THE PHALANGEAL REGION. 65 



Palpation. — Usually the coronet joint and pedal joint are 

 affected, although the fetlock may also be sprained. Heat, 

 pain and swelling are more or less apparent. Artificial 

 rotation of the diseased joint is important to attain a correct 

 diagnosis. jFor this purpose the leg is raised, the fetlock 

 fixed, and the other hand rotates the coronet or pedal joint. 

 In case the fetlock is sprained, it is well to remember that 

 artificial rotation of this joint does not always give perfect 

 results on account of the stability of the fetlock joint. Very 

 often the animal evinces decided pain as the various parts 

 of the articulations are pressed upon while palpating. It is 

 very difficult to differentiate between sprain of the pedal 

 and coronary joints, 



3.— Inflammation of the Posterior Ligaments 

 of the Coronet Joint. 



History. — Lameness following excessive dorsal flexion of 

 the coronet joint, as slipping, jumping, and hard work on 

 rough ground. 



Inspection. — In the standing posture, the lame leg does 

 not support any weight, and rests either upon the toe with 

 the foot pointing forward, or, if the pain is severe, the foot 

 may be held above the ground. There is severe supporting- 

 leg lameness, with a decided shortening of the posterior 

 half of the step. 



Palpation. — Local examination is of great value. The 

 leg is raised and pressure exerted upon the posterior part 

 of the pastern, about where the flexor tendon runs, and a 

 little to each side of it; swelling and pain may thus be 

 recognized. If there is more than a slight amount of 

 swelling, it will be best detected by compelling the animal 

 to stand on the diseased leg only, — done by picking up the 



