108 lAMENESS IN THE HOESE. 



Palpation. — Sometimes a slight tumefaction can "be 

 detected about the anterior surface of the lower thigh. 

 Passive movement of the leg permits of abnormal extension 

 of the hock joint, and the tendo- Achilles is visibly relaxed. 



Differential Diagnosis. — Fracture of the tibia and rupture 

 of the tendo-Achilles offer similar symptoms. The former 

 is easily differentiated from rupture of the flexor metatarsi. 

 In fracture of the tibia, severe supporting-leg lameness, — 

 that is, total inability to sustain weight, — is met with, which 

 is not the case in rupture of the flexor metatarsi. (See 

 page 106.) Eupture of the tendo-Achilles shows marked 

 supporting-leg lameness ; rupture of the flexor metatarsi 

 swinging-leg lameness. (See page 108.) 



3.— Rupture of the Tendo-Achilles. 



History. — Lameness following falls, slips, etc. 



Inspection. — Severe supporting - leg lameness, with 

 inability to sustain weight and flexion of all joints. Unless 

 swelling along the gastrocnemii is too prominent, the flabby 

 condition of the tendo-Achilles is apparent. 



Palpation. — As a rule a gap can be detected along the 

 tendon. Passive movement of the hock joint allows of 

 excessive flexion. 



