NAVICULAE-JOINT LAMENESS. 



435 



or wasting of the muscles of the shoulder, called " sweeny," which is 

 caused by a want of properly exercising them. The symptoms are 

 about the same, so far as the lameness goes, whether the mischief 

 has extended to ulceration or not, the history of the case i only 

 guiding in enabling to determine how far this has gone. Of course 

 these conditions will vary in degree, as there may be only a slight 

 extent of ulceration, or a high degree of simple inflammation. Yet, 

 in the former case, the lameness willjnot be so marked as in the lat- 

 ter,' notwithstanding the prospect for recovery will be much less. 



We will now presume a horse, without any apparent cause, to 

 show a little lameness, and we desire to make a careful /examination. 

 First, is there any possible cause from recent shoeing, such as a 



Fie. 750. — Position of the Bones of the Foot too Oblique. 



a, Pastern bone ; b, Coronary bone; c, Os pedis, or coffln-bone ; d, Usual seat of the 

 lameness; e, Perforans tendon. 



badly fitted shoe, driving the nails too close, or pricking ? Let the 

 shoe be taken off carefully, by raising each clinch in succession, and 

 pulling the nails out. Now tap and examine all parts of the foot 

 carefully, and especially if there is any bruise or corn at the inner 

 heel, or at any part of the sole, which will be noticeable by being 

 red, and sensitive to light tappings of the hammer or to squeezing of 

 the pinchers. It is always best to make the most thorough and 

 careful examination, so as to give assurance of being able to point 

 with more certainty to the difficulty under consideration. Pressure 

 with the thumb over the middle of the flexor tendon, on. its, inner 

 side or its outer, as deeply as can be reached in the hollow of the 

 heel, the foot being bent back, causes pain ; or catching the foot in 

 one hand and the ankle in the other, and while twisting! a little, 



