144 



sorption ; and finally finding this connection so frequently in 

 horses, both with and without Stringhalt, or even a noticeable 

 lameness of any kind whatever, he negatives 



DR. BUSTEED'S CLAIM AS A DISCOVERER 



of the true cause or causes of Stringhalt. The seven isolated 

 cases, which took twenty-three years to observe and record, 

 even in the absence of other explanatory facts, certainly would 

 not afford sufficient grounds for such a claim. 



EXPERIMENTAL FACTS. 



The mite of observation which I wish to contribute to the 

 etiology of Stringhalt may be gleaned from the following ob- 

 servations : In the course of practice, when operating for the 

 removal of lameness in the fore feet, I have occasionally had a 

 case that was the subject of Stringhalt. Whenever I have had 

 such a case, I have experimented by softening and expanding 

 the foot of the affected limb ; and I have never so experimented 

 without perceiving some benefit from the operation. From 

 these experiments I have been led to think it possible that one 

 of the causes of Stringhalt at least may have its origin in 

 mechanical pressure upon the nerves of the foot, excited, 

 either by the entire hoof, or by some particular portion of it. 



A CURIOUS COINCIDENCE. 



If anything more than a very slight injury be inflicted upon 

 the tendon of the Extensor Pedis, particularly at the point 

 where it is inserted into the superior process of the os pedis, 

 by the tread of a sharp calk or by any other accident, the suf- 

 fering is more severe than when it is inflicted elsewhere upon 

 the tendon, because of the inflammation causing an outward 

 pressure against the superior margin of the wall of the hoof, and 

 because the movements of progression seriously aggravates the 

 lesion. If any doubt should exist as to the precise locale of 

 the hurt, the peculiar manner in which the animal lifts its foot 



