BROKEN KNEES. 



95 



Over the front of the knee pass^es the broad, flat tendon, of the muscle 

 (extensor metacarpi magnus) which extends that joint. Between this tendon 

 and the bones of the knee, in order to prevent friction, are placed two bur^e 

 or sacs, which contain synovia (joint oil). As thes^e burste partly overlap the 

 tendon externally, they are liable to become wounded when the tendon is laid 

 bare by the animal " coming down." On the outside front, if I may use the 

 term, passes the tendon of the muscle which serves to extend the foot (extensor 

 pedis. Fig. 7). There is also a small oblique extensor tendon which passes 

 across the knee ; and the skin, with its loose underlying tissue, finally covers 

 the whole part. 



The tendon of the extensor pedis, except in extremely grave cases, is, on 

 account of its side position, hardly ever laid bare or injured. 



Here, the principles which should guide our treatment, are those 

 of "' Wounds on or near Joints " (p. 91). 



Fig. 40. — Cradle. 



TREATMENT.— The object of our treatment should be to obtain 

 repair with the least possible destruction of tissue, in order to limit 

 the extent of the subsequent blemish as much as practicable, and 

 to obviate the danger of the wound extending into the joint. Hence, 

 strict antiseptic measures (p. 69) should be adopted. Poulticing 

 or continued fomentations should on no account be employed; for 

 they tend to destroy the vitality of the part, and to encourage sup- 

 puration, W'hich is always accompanied by destruction of tissue. In 

 all cases, we should by tying the horse up, or by using a cradle 

 (Fig. 40), prevent him from injuring his bad knee. H dirt or grit 

 has entered the Avound, it may be removed by bathing the part 

 with warm water for a few minutes ; but if there is no foreign body 

 in the cut, or if the skin is not divided, the application of water will 

 serve no useful purpose. After cleaning the wound and dressing 



