104 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 



cou.s[»icaous only dnriup; the first few steps when begiuning 

 to Avoik, losing its^-lf later on. Close observation is 

 therefore uecessarj- to detect the momentary stop of the 

 patella, while again it may be plainly seen to stop and 

 suddenly jump down. The sudden flexion, following the 

 momentary stop of the patella upon the inner lip of the 

 femoral trochlea, must not be mistaken for a cramp of the 

 muscles of the anterior femoral region. In stationary 



Fig. 18. 



upward luxation of the patella there is swinging-leg 

 lameness, with extreme extension of all joints, — that is, the 

 leg is stretched backwards, and no assistance rendered can 

 flex the joints. In cases where both joints are afi'ected the 

 animal is unable to move and appai'ently fastened to the 

 ground. 



OUTWARD LUXATION OF THE PATELLA. 



Inspection. — There is supporting-leg lameness, with 

 unusual flexion of all joints, similar as in crural nerve 

 paralysis. 



