DISEASES AND INJURIES OF THE LEGS. 217 



the course of the structures, with heat, pain, and tenderness on pressure; 

 while the animal endeavors to give ease to the part by flexing the fetlock- 

 joint, and resting or walking on the toe of the foot, the weight being sus- 

 tained by the flexor muscles and tendons. When rupture takes place, it 

 may occur at the broad part above the bifurcation, across one or both of 

 the branches; or it may be torn direct from one or both of its attachments 

 at the sesamoid bones. Wherever the tendon is ruptured the effects are 

 the same; the fetlock descends to the ground, the toe pointing upwards 

 and the sole forwards, exhibiting the condition known as " hrealc doion.''^ 

 As the ligament is common to fore and hind legs, any one of them may 

 be the seat of lameness. As a rule, hunters and race-horses are most 

 liable to it as arising in the fore-limbs, while other animals, of heavier 

 breeds, exhibit it in the hind legs. 



The injury is a very serious one; but with a long rest and proper 

 treatment a horse so injured may become sufficiently sound to perform 

 moderate work for many years. Yet there is always a weakness left, 

 which must be considered an unsoundness, as it may at any time cause 

 lameness, particularly if the animal be called upon to do a little extra 

 work. 



The marks of the injury will always remain and exhibit themselves in 

 a permanent thickening which maybe felt close to the large cannon bone, 

 or on any part of the ligament. 



Treatment. — For simple sprain apply cold water, put on a bandage 

 loosely, and keep it constantly wet. Make a fine roll of tow or muslin 

 and bind it firmly under the fetlock pad so as completely to fill up the 

 hollow of the heel and support the fetlock; continue the bandage well up 

 to the knee. If the horse will lie down, it is the best way of resting the 

 limb, otherwise it is best to put him into slings. A long rest from work 

 is indispensable to a recovery. 



SWELLED LEGS. 



Synonyms. — Stocking; CEdema of the legs. 



Definition. — A dropsical afliection, usually of mild form. The name 

 swelled legs indicates very clearly the appearance of this affection. 



Etiology. — Sometimes arising from deficient action of the kidneys. 



