258 Local Injtiries. 



ulceration of the investing cartilage, as well as laceration 

 of the tendon which plays over it as a rope over a pulley. 

 Acute pain is detected by pressure in the hollow behind 

 the frog. Sometimes lameness exists before the outward 

 changes already described have taken place. Division 

 of the nerves at the fetlock joint succeeds in some cases 

 in restoring usefulness by the absence of sensation ; but 

 the disease progresses, and irrespective of injuries to the 

 sensitive structures from pricks in shoeing, the concussion 

 arising from working on hard roads induces severe in- 

 flammation, resulting in loss of the hoof. Such cases 

 need the greatest care. 



Other measures consist of fomentations, cold lotions 

 applied by means of a thin bandage round the top of the 

 hoof, a seton passed through the sensitive frog, blisters to 

 the coronet. 



Luxation of the Patella. — Dislocation of the 

 knee-cap often arises in young growing animals, especially 

 when turned upon hilly pastures. Older animals are 

 subject to it from slipping in the stall, falls, or blows, in 

 passing through doorways, &c, when the joint comes 

 into violent contact with the jamb, post, &c. The animal 

 cannot advance the foot ; it is thrown violently back- 

 wards, stiff and straight, when by a convulsive act, and 

 raising the whole body, the limb is jerked forwards, and 

 the bone is forced back into its place, omitting a sharp 

 clicking sound. Luxation occurs repeatedly. 



Treatment — Draw the foot forwards to the breast by 

 means of a halter placed upon the pastern. If the bone 

 is displaced outwardly, which is most common, push it 

 inwards, or vice versa. Let the foot descend to the 

 ground, but keep it considerably in advance of the other, 

 by securing the halter to a collar placed upon the neck. 

 Apply a smart blister to the outside of the joint only, 

 using care that none passes inside, near the abdomen. 

 Give good food, perhaps also iron tonics, and when 

 recovery is established, turn the animal upon level 

 pastures. 



Capped Hock. — Swelling of the integuments of the 

 point of the hock, together with enlargement of the 



