158 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 



Paresis of the Flexor Pedis Perforans. 



This form of lameness was also shown the writer through 

 the kindness of Dr. M. H. McKillip, who has met with 

 twelve cases within the past twenty years. 



History. — Slipping and making desperate efforts to rise 

 when cast. 



Inspection. — In backing the leg swings back as a whole, 

 so to speak. The hock is flexed imperfectly and the heels 

 touch the ground first; the foot is planted in a careful, 

 searching manner. The animal flexes the hock excessively 

 when walking on smooth and slippery ground, while all the 

 other joints below the hock are not flexed ; the hoof hangs 

 loosely from the fetlock and in extreme cases even dangles. 

 As the hoof is planted the heel strikes the ground first ; at 

 this moment the hoof slides backward from two to fourteen 

 inches, according to the severity of the lesion. When the 

 animal is moved on soft footing, there is decided improve- 

 ment. 



