976 DISEASES AND THE1E TREATMENT. 



available, he should be at once called in. The treatment is in- 

 cluded mainly for the benefit of practitioners. 



DISLOCATION OF THE PATELLA, OK "STIFLED." 



This is most common in colts, from the outer condyle not be- 

 ing fully developed, allowing the patella to glide off and on at 

 every step. 



Causes. It occurs generally in young animals, and is most 

 common on hilly pasture when the soil is gravelly ; the feet be- 

 coming worn and tender, causes him to relax the stifle in walk- 

 ing, when the patella is apt to slide off. It sometimes occurs from 

 external violence, or from interstitial absorption of the condyle. 



Symptoms. The limb is extended 

 backward, the foot is bent up, and the 

 animal drags the limb as if it were 

 cramped and unable to draw it for- 

 ward: Cramp of the muscles of the 

 legs is not unfrequently mistaken for 

 dislocation of the patella. But cramp 

 is easily known from the suddenness 

 of the attack, from there being no en- 

 FIG. 889. The horse as he usual- largement at the stifle, and from the 

 ly appears when stifled. bending up of the foot. 



Treatment. It must be returned to its place as soon as possi- 

 ble, which can be easily done in the following way: Make one or 

 two assistants pull the foot forward, while you push the stifle 

 back, and at the same time push the patella forward, when it will 

 slip into its place, and the animal will walk off almost as sound as 

 if nothing had happened. If it is followed by lameness or swell- 

 ing about the joint, rest must be given, and to prevent its recur- 

 rence, the stifle may be blistered. 



A very good plan with colts, in which it frequently comes out, 

 is to remove the patient to a loose-box, with a level, even floor; 

 and to put a shoe on, with a tip projecting in front about two or 

 three inches, slightly turned up, which will keep the muscles at- 

 tached to it on the stretch, and so prevent its slipping out again. 

 This may be worn for one or two months, as required. 



A good deal of a secret in relieving a horse when stifled, is to 

 take short hold of the bridle or halter, so as to throw the head up 



