260 KENNEL DISEASES. 
SPRAINS. 
In accidents termed sprains very generally joints are injured, and simply 
wrenched or twisted, or there is momentary displacement, the ligaments or bands 
which hold the bones in position being stretched, or they may be partially or 
completely broken or torn. 
In cases of great severity, in which there is more or less extensive rupture 
of the ligaments, there at once occurs a sudden swelling and discoloration, which 
result from the pouring out of blood from the torn vessels into the tissues under 
the skin. Then follow more or less inflammation and lameness, which persist 
until the ruptured parts have healed; and this they do only very slowly, because 
the fibrous tissues of which the ligaments are constructed have only a low grade 
of vitality and not much blood is allowed them for nourishment. In consequence 
of the process of repair being so slow there is much truth in the old saying that 
oftentimes a bad sprain is worse than a fracture. 
Sprains are commonly the results of distortions of joints; they being over- 
bent or bent in a direction not provided for in the mechanical arrangement of 
their parts. The violence done to them of course may vary almost infinitely — 
from that which gives only a momentary twinge of pain and causes but a slight 
limp for a short time, to that which is followed by much suffering and complete 
disability of the leg affected. 
The signs of serious injury are pronounced and plainly suggest either a 
sprain or a fracture. The leg is carried, the foot not being allowed to touch the 
ground ; while extreme sensitiveness is displayed if any attempt at examination 
be made. A sprain of the hock, knee, or pastern is attended with noticeable 
swelling in severe cases, but it is scarcely ever prominent where the largest joints 
are injured. 
The belief has been quite prevalent that absolute rest of the parts involved 
is the most valuable means of repairing a sprain, and it doubtless is so in some 
cases; but certainly notin all. If the injury will permit of the foot touching the 
ground and some weight being borne by the affected leg, as a rule recovery will 
take place more quickly if moderate use is allowed than if rest were enforced. 
And since to distinguish between the two classes of cases is never easy, a dog 
suffering from sprain can best be left at liberty to move about as he pleases. 
Of external remedies, water as hot as can be borne in comfort is the best; 
and this should be applied for an hour at a time if possible, and at least twice 
daily. During the treatment the patient should be stood in a bathing- or wash- 
ing-tub and the parts drenched by means of a small basin or sponge. When a 
joint can be moved by the attendant without causing the patient to cry out or 
forcibly resist his touch, it may be accepted that it is no longer much inflamed, 
and that motion is not only admissible but will be beneficial. Massage may then 
be applied, and with dry hands or stimulating liniments, to overcome the re- 
maining stiffness and restore the normal suppleness of the joint. 
