262 KENNEL DISEASES. 
is behind the sound one, the toe of the former just touching the ground; from 
which however he is canstantly raising it, but only slightly, evidently in conse- 
quence of pain. Manifestly this is greatly intensified when he attempts to 
move about, which he does stiffly and with exceeding difficulty, his back being 
arched and all the upper muscles of the affected leg tense and hard. 
Ere long the injured joint is noticeably enlarged, much of the swelling being 
on the inner side. It grows stiffer and stiffer, and movements of it more and 
more painful. While, the result of being disused, the muscles of the leg waste 
steadily, and eventually it is much smaller than the sound one. 
If left to himself, without proper treatment, nearly a year may pass before 
a dog so crippled exhibits marked signs of improvement and he is able to get 
about fairly well. But even then the affected parts are very weak, and he has 
only to exert himself a little to be quite as lame as ever. If, however, he does 
not have any serious drawback, the chances are that in the course of another six 
months he will have made very decided gain and be able to move around quite 
easily ; but he will be a cripple always, and, the joint permanently stiff, he will 
carry his leg as though it were made of wood. Moreover, it being much bent 
and the joint abnormally large, he must be an unsightly object ; and even more 
pitiable if the opposite leg, as is sometimes the case, be drawn out of shape 
by Nature’s effort to compensate and adjust this to the leg deformed in conse- 
quence of the injury. 
In every instance of stifle lameness the first step to be taken is to determine 
positively: whether or not there is dislocation of the patella. Satisfied that that 
bone is in place, the dog should be put into quarters by himself. They should 
be small, and if a pen, the walls should be open so that he can look out even 
while lying down. They should also be at a distance from other dogs, and free 
from all disturbing influences. Here he should remain until all signs of in- 
flammation have disappeared from the affected joint. 
If he is full-blooded, he ought to have a purgative occasionally ; and be kept 
on a diet of milk, rice, gruels, and other bland foods. At first the inflammation 
of the joint should have the same treatment as a sprain — frequent and long- 
continued applications of hot water. After a week or ten days there may be ap- 
plied twice daily a liniment made of equal parts of the oil of origanum, spirit of 
ammonia, tincture of opium and olive-oil. This acts exceedingly well in all 
cases of joint trouble characterized by chronic stiffness and soreness. It is very 
strong, however, and should be used cautiously. The friction with which it is 
employed should be gentle; and care be taken that it does not get into the 
eyes or onto the lips, nor where the skin is scratched. It will also be well to 
cover with dry flannel the parts to which it has been applied. It may raise blis- 
ters, and if so, of course should be discontinued until they have healed. 
Having used this for several weeks, if the swelling of the joint is not much 
less than at first and slowly disappearing, the liniment should be discontinued 
