LAMENESS. 261 
CHAPTER III. 
LAMENESS. 
Does are frequently more or less crippled temporarily, and by a variety of 
causes. The different forms of lameness closely resemble one another; and the 
treatment required in many instances is much the same. For these reasons to 
consider them individually and devote to each a separate section seems unneces- 
sary; therefore under this heading the most important will be included in a 
brief and general discussion. 
In one of the most common forms of lameness the exciting trouble is located 
in the stifle-joint; and it may be due to a wrench or sprain and stretching of the 
ligaments, or to an inflammation induced by a blow or kick, a run-over by a 
heavy carriage, or other direct injury. It is now and then at least partially at- 
tributable to a weakness of the joint induced by over-weight bodies; and cases 
of that class are furnished mainly by members of the largest breeds that are 
denied as much exercise as they ought to have, but still are fed generously. In 
these cases also usually the foundation of the lameness is laid in puppyhood, 
during which the cardinal quality to be attained by breeders is size; and with a 
latent weakness existing in that joint, a twist, wrench, even a slip while running, 
or a knock-over in play, may be productive of obstinate if not incurable lame- 
ness. 
Much has been written on stifle-joint lameness. That joint is not naturally 
very strong, and it is quite complicated, consequently might be easily disabled. 
But notwithstanding this, also the fact that there are various influences which 
are capable of crippling it, it is only reasonable to assume that in the most of 
the cases of lameness the real cause is dislocation of the patella. 
Such accident occurring and detected, the remedy is easy. If, however, the 
trouble is not discovered, destructive changes are allowed to occur in the joint, 
and to return the bone to its place is no longer possible, treatment can scarcely 
be encouraged, for the victim is permanently deformed. 
This form of lameness, as a rule, comes on quite suddenly. If the victim is 
laid on the unaffected side and the foot of the injured leg drawn forward, the 
pain induced is intense; while firm and deep pressure over the joint is also 
very painful. When standing, if not interfered with, he assumes a position 
which is quite characteristic of stifle-joint lameness, namely, his injured leg 
