i83 



CURB. 



By the term curb, we understand a sprain of the ligament situated at the 

 back of the hock joint, which makes its appearance as a swehing, as a rule 

 some five inches from the point formed by the bones of this joint. Our 

 readers will perhaps be aware, that the hock joint corresponds with the 

 ankle of the human foot ; and that the bone, which forms the projection at 

 the back of the joint, is the so-called os calcis or heel bone. Now, it is this 

 ligament which keeps this bone in its place, and extends downwards to be 

 fastened to the bones below, which is sprained in curb. 



Of the causes of curb we have not much to say, but may mention that 

 it usually results from leaping or galloping. Heredity, it is clear, has 

 oftentimes something to do with the predisposition, which some animals have 

 to sprain this ligament of the hock. This, no doubt, is to be attributed to 

 the fact that the conformation or build of the bones and ligaments of the 

 joint, having more especially a tendency to sprain, is inherited by the 

 offspring. In this connection we may add that it has been said that an 

 animal with a long heel bone is more liable to contract curb ; and this is 

 possibly correct. In any case, the practical conclusion to be drawn 

 regarding these facts and probabilities is, that animals which have had curbs 

 should not be employed for breeding purposes. 



As our readers are no doubt aware, a curb constitutes unsoundness, 

 even though the progression of the animal be not altered. It is therefore 

 very important that one should be able to detect the presence of such an 

 injury, if it exist. The observer, in examining a horse for curb, should view 

 the hocks at a side glance, from the off as well as the near side, carefully 

 scanning it from above downwards. The line from the angle of the hock 

 downwards should be straight, and should have no swelling or bulging in its 

 course. If there be no swelling nor any alteration in the gait of the animal, 

 the absence of curb is proved. One must bear in mind that there are 

 sometimes noticed, enlargements of the hock, which are not unfrequently 

 mistaken for curb. In such instances, however, on examination, it will be 

 found that enlargement does not interfere with the progression of the 

 animal ; and, moreover, it is sometimes present in an equal degree in both 

 limbs. Such a condition of the hock is due to unusual size of the bone 

 termed the cuboid, which is situated below the heel bone. Again, sometimes 

 an enlargement is apparent when one views the hock from the outer side, 

 but is not noticeable when .one looks at it from the inner side. Such an 

 abnormality is due to a greater development than usual of the structure, termed 

 the external splint bone, situated below the cuboid bone. 



Although, however, it thus appears that there may sometimes be some 

 uncertainty regarding the presence or absence of curb, decision as a rule is 

 by no means difficult. It not unfrequently happens that horses bruise their 

 hocks at the usual seat of curb, and thus cause some superficial swelling. 

 Advantage is sometimes taken of this fact by unscrupulous dealers, who may 

 endeavour to persuade the purchaser that a curb is in reality a mere bruise 

 caused by some external injury. 



