SHOULDER SPRAIN. 



59 



first rib (p. 310). Wiien the flexor brachii is liurt, the animal will 

 naturally " drag " the leg from inability to raise it. As the flexor 

 brachii extends the shoulder joint, when raising the leg; unwilling- 

 ness to lift the leg up will also be shown, when movement of the 

 shoulder joint is accompanied with pain, as in injury to the capsular 

 ligament, or to the joint. In neither sprain of the pectoral 

 muscles, nor of the flexor brachii, will the act of placing the foot 

 on the ground cause any special pain. Wherever the lameness may 



Cartilage at top of > 

 shoulder blade ) 



Shoulder joint 

 Flexor brachii 



Elbow joint 



Fig. 31. — Muscles of the fore leg. {--J/Zi-''' Chaiivcaii.) 



be, the horse will take a very short step to the front, and, on being 

 reined back, will be inclined to drag the foot along the ground from 

 more or less inability to raise it. In all cases, lifting up the leg 

 and drawing the limb forward with the hand will hurt the horse ; 

 for it will render tense the pectoral muscles and the flexor brachii, 

 and will extend the shoulder joint. In thus manipulating the 

 limb, we should avoid mistaking restlessness for soreness. We 

 should, of course, compare both shoulders, and should note if there 

 be any local heat, swelling, or tenderness. Unrelieved sprain of 



