322 THE HORSE. 



STRAINS OF THE HIP JOINT, STIFLE, AND HOCK. 



The hip joint, or round bone, is liable to be strained by 

 the hind feet slipping and being stretched apart, or by blows 

 against the side of the stall, when cast, which are not sufficient to 

 dislocate the femur, but strain its ligaments severely. The conse- 

 quence is an inflammation of the joint, which is evidenced by a 

 dropping of one hip in going, the weight being thrown more upon 

 the sound side than upon the other. This is especially remarkable 

 on first starting, the lameness soon going off in work, but return- 

 ing after rest. The case, however, is a rare one, and its descrip- 

 tion need not, therefore, occupy much of our space. When it does 

 happen, it is very apt to lead to a wasting of the deep muscles of 

 the haunch, which nothing but compulsory work will restore to a 

 healthy condition. The only treatment necessary in the early 

 stage of strain of the hip joint is rest and cooling diet, &c. ; but, 

 after six weeks or two months, a gradual return to work is indis- 

 pensable to effect a cure. 



Strains of the stifle, independently of blows, are rare ; but 

 the latter often are inflicted upon this joint in hunting, leaving 

 little evidence externally, so that it is almost always doubtful 

 whether the injury is the result of a blow or strain. The si/mptoms 

 are a swelling and tenderness of the joint, which can be ascer- 

 tained by a careful examination ; and on trotting the horse, there 

 is manifested a difficulty or stiffness in drawing forward the hind 

 leg under the belly. The treatment must be by bleeding and 

 physicking in the early stage, together with hot fomentations to the 

 part, continued every hour until the heat subsides. After a few 

 days, if the joint is still painful, a large blister should be applied, 

 or, what is still better, a seton should be inserted in the skin 

 adjacent. 



The hock itself is liable to strain, independently of the pecu- 

 liar accident known as "curb." When it occurs, there is some 

 heat of the part, with more or less lameness, and neither spavin, 

 thoroughpin, nor curb to account for them. The injury is seldom 

 severe, and may be relieved by fomentations for a day or two, 

 followed by cold lotions, as presented at page 320, for strain of the 

 back sinews. 



CURB. 



The lower part of the posterior surface of the os calcis 

 is firmly united to the cuboid and external metatarsal bone by two 

 strong ligamentous bands, called the calcaneo-cuboid and calcaneo- 

 metatarsal ligaments. The centre of these ligaments is about 

 seven or eight inches below the point of the hock, and when a soft 

 but elastic swelling suddenly makes its appearance there, it may 



