DISLOCATIONS. 255 
true nature of the accident escaped recognition — consequently it remained out 
of place — the chances are all that the disability will be permanent. 
A joint disabled by a dislocated patella soon becomes inflamed, and the 
swelling that results is largely permanent unless the bone is returned to place. 
If the inflammation be severe and of long standing, the ends of the bones in 
time become enlarged. The joint is quite stiff, and the leg not being used, its 
muscular tissues waste, until it is but little if any more than half its original size. 
Another natural consequence is noted in the general appearance of the dog. 
Unable to exercise freely and harassed and dispirited by pain and soreness, he 
falls out of condition. He is disinclined to exert himself; and when moving 
about does so with difficulty; his back is arched; his abdomen ‘‘ tucked up” ; 
and, all in all, he is an unsightly object. 
While recovery is out of the question in such cases, more or less improvement 
generally occurs; and possibly before a year has elapsed the joint has limbered 
up some, and the unfortunate is able to bear a little weight on his foot. Gradu- 
ally, but very slowly, he gains, and may in the course of six months be able to 
walk short distances fairly well ; but beyond that, in the way of improvement, he 
is not likely to go far. 
External dislocation of the patella is very rare. Where it has occurred and 
the bone not been restored, aside from the ankle-joint being much bent and the 
tarsus thickened and uneven, the changes in the affected leg are about the same 
as those which result from permanent displacement internally. 
