254 KENNEL DISEASES. 
With the lower leg pulled downward and crossed on the opposite leg, and held 
firmly with the left hand, with the right the elbow-joint should be grasped, and 
by means of the fingers pressing against the head of the displaced bone, the 
effort should be made to force it back into place. 
In consequence of rupture of a highly important ligament, as soon as the dis- 
located bone is in place and the dog allowed to bear weight upon his foot, 
it will generally slip out of place again. For this reason the after-treatment is 
very exacting. The bones must be kept in natural position by means of a tight 
bandage, or one made of starch be applied. 
The stifle-joint corresponds to the knee-joint of man, and like the latter is 
provided with a knee-cap known as the patella. This may be dislocated on 
either side, but the dislocation is usually on the inner side; and such accident 
is especially liable to occur where the joint is weak and the ligaments are re- 
laxed and wanting in tone. In high jumping, also, the conditions are favorable 
for it; hence greyhounds are among its most frequent victims, although other 
delicately constructed dogs are now and then included, and even toy terriers and 
like small breeds are by no means exempt from it. 
Dislocation of the patella is attended by sharp and very severe pain. When 
it is inward, the victim holds his leg bent nearly as much as possible, and the 
hock and heel are turned outward. On examination of the joint the patella 
may be found lying sideways, and movable from side to side. If an effort to 
straighten or still further flex or bend the leg is made there is a howl of pain, 
and the most vigorous efforts to escape are excited. 
In order to reduce the dislocation or return the patella to its bed, the leg 
must be drawn backward and straightened as much as possible; then the dis- 
placed bone, being firmly grasped with the fingers, can be forced back to its 
normal position. 
If undertaken at once after the accident the operation is easy, but when de- 
layed and inflammation has set in, it is oftentimes quite difficult. In the first 
instance usually the dog immediately walks away without exhibiting any trace of 
the dislocation. The rule, however, is, that after one such experience, for quite 
a long time similar accidents are specially liable to occur; therefore a dog that 
has suffered from it should be kept under restraint for awhile and not allowed to 
run or attempt high jumps. 
After several dislocations and reductions the victim generally realizes his 
weakness and favors the affected leg, often running on three legs; and in walk- 
ing he exhibits very decided lameness. He must then be kept quiet for several 
weeks and have massage faithfully applied to his joint, to tone up the parts and 
overcome the existing tendency to dislocation. Material benefit may also be 
expected from the use of an adjustment by means of which the affected leg can 
be carried in a sling, and kept up close to the abdomen. 
In instances in which dislocation of the patella occurred long ago and the 
