112 LAMENESS IN THE HOUSE. 



both wuen the leg is carried forward and wheu supporting 

 weight. At the same time the animal is not liable to drive 

 out of the lameness, as it frequently does in spavin. (See 

 page 87.) 



5. Hoof lameness. Careful examination of the hoof 

 settles the question. (See page 14.) 



6. Ringbone. Ringbone lameness may be quite difficult 

 to distinguish from spavin lameness, but the fact that 

 ringbones are less frequent iu the hind leg, together with 

 careful palpation of the parts, will help to establish a 

 correct diagnosis. (See page 70.) 



7. Sprain of the coronet joint. Here rotation of that 

 joint causes pain ; the history and the local examination 

 will usually determine the nature of the case. (See page .) 



8. Stringhalt. In stringhalt, the animal seldom walks 

 upon the toe, as it usually does in spavin. In spavin, when 

 turning or stepping from one side to the other, the animal 

 steps lightly upon the toe, and for about one-third of the 

 stride the toe is almost dragged over the ground ; whereas 

 in stringhalt the leg is jerked up and the foot is put down 

 -firmly. In spavin the leg is usually dragged when first 

 starting, while in stringhalt the action is spasmodic from 

 the very beginning. 



2.— Acute Inflammation of the Hock Joint. 



History. — Lameness following external violence, and 

 wounds penetrating the joint. 



Inspection. — Severe supporting and swinging leg lameness 

 are noticed from the very outset on. Since it is inostly a 

 consequence of a wound about the tarsus, severe swelling, 

 with a tendency to spread above and below the hock, and 

 and perhaps discharge of synovia, is apparent. 



