102 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 



aud shoiteued anterior half of the step in walking, 

 particularly when starting out, is pronounced. The leg is 

 advanced stiffly, and is apt to trip on rough and uneven 

 ground. The gait reminds one of spavin lameness, but it 

 lacks the peculiar hip-jerk of the latter. In the standing 

 posture, the lame leg, if one only is affected, is kept flexed, 

 but when both joints are diseased the weight is frequently 



Fig. 16. 

 Left-sided chronic inflammation of the stifle joint (Gonitis chronica). 



shifted from one leg to the other, the resting one being 

 flexed. 



Palpation. — Pain is rarely produced by pressure upon 

 the diseased parts, but the distended capsular membrane 

 can, as a rule, be plainly felt, aud perhaps seen. In old cases 

 the enlarged internal condyle of the femur can be readily 

 detected, clearly noticeable when standing behind the 



