CHAP. III.] SHOULDER, HOW AFFECTED. 473 



accurate expression for this particular ailment, but 

 certainly not for the twisted sprain. 



1. Sprain of the Shoulder. 



Horses that are weak before and low loofed, 

 with an unsteady tread, are most liable to contract 

 this disorder ; which consists in a twist or sprain of 

 the strong muscles that attach the shoulder to the 

 body. There being no socket for the shoulder- 

 blade to rest in, as is the case with most other 

 animals, the horse is very liable to incur this dis- 

 aster in a petty degree, whenever his progression is 

 accelerated to the utmost of his powers ; but we 

 must guard ourselves against placing entire reliance 

 upon the hastily-delivered opinions of empyrics, 

 who boldly pronounce when they hope to deceive, 

 and expect belief from the credulous. 



Cause. — Much the same as those which occasion 

 concussion, blows, and numbness of the foot, with 

 their consequences, which we consent to call 

 " strain of the coffin-joint," without the most distant 

 possibility of knowing whether this misfortune ever 

 has happened. When the horse is subjected to any 

 rude accident, as a kick, or his load becoming dis- 

 ordered, or being thrown down, or slipping on 

 pavement, ice, &c, or treading on a loose stone, 

 he is very likely to incur strain of the muscles of 

 the shoulder. See conformation of the shoulder, 

 in chap. i. page 40. 



Synqitoms. — Decided by swelling upon the chest, 

 or at the top of the shoulder; but we think it 



