346 



As before intimated, tliis is little more than a repetition of our 

 remarks upon the lameness of the shoulder, with slight modifications 

 occasioned by the inuseular structure of the hip, and we are limited 

 to the same recommendations of treatment. The advantages of rest 

 must be reaffirmed, Avith local apiilications, of which, however, it 

 may be said that they are more distinctly indicated and likely to be 

 more effective in their results than in shoulder lameness, and may 

 be more freely emjiloyed, whether in the form of liniments, blisters 

 (singly or repeated), firing, or setoning. 



Sprains of suspensory ligaments and of ilie flexor tendons or their 

 sheatJi. — The fibrous structure situated behind the cannon bones, both 

 in the fore and hind legs, is often the seat of lacerations or sprains 

 resulting from violent efforts or sudden jerks. The injurj^ is readily 

 recognized by the changed aspect of the region and the accompany- 

 ing local symptoms. The parts, which in health are Avell defined, 

 with the outlines of the tendons and ligaments well marked, become 

 the seat of a swelling, more or less developed, from a small sjjot of 

 the middle of the back of the tendon to a tumefaction reaching from 

 the knee down to and even involving the fetlock itself. It is alwaj^s 

 characterized by heat, and it is variousl}^ sensitive, ranging from a mere 

 tenderness to a degree of soreness which shrinks from the lightest 

 touch. The degrees of the lameness varj- , and it has a corresponding 

 range with the soreness, sometimes showing only a slight halting and 

 at others the extreme of lameness on three legs. Avith intermediate 

 degrees. 



It has for its cause, like all the other forms, external traumatism 

 by falls, blows, etc. , and may be considered serious or trifling, accord- 

 ing to the circumstances of each case as judged by its own history. 

 It may be safely assumed on general principles that a leg which has 

 received such injuries very seldom returns to a perfect condition of 

 efficiency and soundness, and that as a fact a certain absolute amount 

 of thickening and deformity will remain in permanency, even when 

 the lameness has entirely disappeared. 



For this reason the injured member should receive the earliest 

 attention possible, not only when the inflammatory condition is pres- 

 ent, but when it is subsiding and there is only the thickening of the 

 ligaments, the tendons, or tlie sheath. Cold bathing, cold-water band- 

 ages, either simple or with astringent solutions, do well in some 

 cases, while in others hot applications have the preference, with com- 

 plete rest; also, moderate exercise; frictions with alcohol ; tincture of 

 soap; spirits of camphor; mild liniments; strong sweating liniments; 

 blisters; the cauterj'^ — these are the means bj^ which the absorption 

 of tlie exudate must be promoted and the work of restoration effected. 

 The preparations of iodine are often of benefit in mild cases, but 

 there are others in which the thickening of the tendons refuses to 

 yield ;uid Ihe changed tissues remain firmly organized, leaving them 



