340 



in threads of various dimeusious, or if in the absence of this process of 

 mortification healthy granulations shoukl form and fill up the wound, 

 still very careful attention will be required, the granulating ends of the 

 tendons having a tendency to bulge between the edges of the skin and 

 to assume large dimensions, forming bulk.Y excrescences or growths of a 

 warty or cauliflower apiiearauce, the removal of which becomes a trouble- 

 some matter. 



The union of the tendons will at times leave a thickening of varying 

 degree near the point of cicatrization, the absorption of which becomes 

 an object of difficult and doubtful accomplishment, but which may be 

 liromoted by moderate blistering and the use of alterative and absorbent 

 mixtures or perhaps the fire iron. A shoe with heels somewhat higher 

 than usual will prove a comfort to the animal and aid in moderating 

 and relieving the tension of the tendons. 



Rupture of the flexor metatarsi. — This is a muscle of the anterior part 

 of the shauk. It is situated in front of the tibia, and is of peculiar for- 

 mation, being composed of a muscular j)ortion with a very powerful 

 tendon, which are at first distinct and separate, to be intimately united 

 lower down, and terminating at the lower end by a division into four 

 tendinous bands. It is a powerful muscle of the hinder shank bone, 

 and also acts as a strong means of support for the stifle joint, that is, 

 of the articulation of the thigh and shank bone, in front and outside of 

 which it passes. Its situation and its use cause it to be liable to severe 

 stretching and straining, and a rupture of some of its fibers is some- 

 times the consequence. 



This may be the result of a violent effort of the animal in leaping 

 over a high obstacle; in missing his foothold and suddenly slipping 

 backwards while powerfully grasping the ground with the feet in striv- 

 ing to start a heavily loaded vehicle ; or in making a violent effort to 

 prevent a probable fall. 



The accident is immediately followed by disability which will vary 

 both as to the true seat of the injury and the iieriod of its duration. 

 This rupture will not prevent the horse from standing perfectly and 

 firmly on his feet when kept at rest, and while no muscular efforts are 

 required from him there is no api^earance of any lesion or unsoundness. 

 An attempt to move him backwards, however, will cause him to throw 

 all his weight upon his hind quarters, and he will reluse to raise his 

 foot from the ground. If compelled to do so, or required to move for- 

 ward, the hock being no longer capable of flexion, the muscle which 

 effects that movement being the injured one, the opposite muscles, the 

 extensors, acting freely, the entire lower i^art of the leg, from the hock 

 down, will be suddenly, with a jerk, extended over the tibia or shauk 

 bone, and simultaneously with this the tendo-achilles, the cord of the 

 hock, the tendons of the extensors of the hock will be put in an excess- 

 ively relaxed condition. Examination of the fore part of the shank 

 from the stifle down to the hock may reveal soreness, and i)ossibly some 

 swelling and heat at the seat of the lesion. 



