i68 



upon the size of the bony matter thrown out. We have known cases in 

 which a large deposit gave rise to little or no lameness, and many cases 

 where but little new bone caused very severe lameness. In cases where the 

 lateral parts of the bones are only affected, lameness is often not so marked 

 as when the ring is complete, or when the deposit is only formed on the 

 front of the joint. It must be borne in mind that ring-bone is the result of 

 inflammation, affecting the ends of the bones. Lameness is therefore 

 manifested at an early date, before any bony enlargement can be felt, as the 

 result of the inflamed condition of the bone. The progression will remain 

 affected, as the bony growth continues to be formed and deposited ; but, 

 when this is completed, and the joint has become fixed and immovable, the 

 action may be but little impeded. Indeed, the lameness in some instances 

 disappears altogether, although the gait is not as elastic as it was before. 

 We have said above that side-bone is in most cases found on the 

 fore legs ; and in this it differs from ring-bone which is somewhat more 

 common on the hind than on the fore feet. When a horse is lame from 

 a ring-bone in the fore extremity, he invariably goes on his heel, excepting 

 in those instances in which the deposit is at the back part of the bones. 

 When the hind limb is affected, the animal brings his toes down first, when 

 the pastern joint is involved, and the deposit does not involve the front part 

 of it ; but, when the coffin-joint is diseased, the heel is brought to the 

 ground before the toe. 



The figure from Percivall shows the back of the pastern joint, affected 

 with ring-bone, A, B, C, D. 



Regarding the causes of ring-bone, we have not much to say. Hereditary 

 influence, however, it has been proved, is a potent agency as a predisposing 

 factor. As in the case of side-bone, therefore, the practical conclusion to be 

 drawn from the fact, is, that one should not breed from animals so affected, 

 unless the disease be traceable to some actual injury, inflicted by accident. 



