554 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



Breaking Down. 



The suspensory ligament is one of the strongest in the body ; it 

 is placed immediately behind the cannon-bone, from the head of 

 which it rises ; passing down, it divides, one division going to each 

 of the small bones at the back of the fetlock (ossa sesamoides). 

 (See Fig. 855.) This ligament is the great main-stay of the fetlock 

 joint, and sustains the most of the weight at this pa'rt; consequently 

 we frequently find it snaps asunder under the great weight thrown 

 upon it in leaping, galloping, etc. It is sometimes broken above 

 the division ; but more commonly, one or both bifurcations are torn.* 



Causes. — Violent exertion, or sudden jerks, as is the case in 

 leaping, galloping, or jumping from a hight. 



Syntptonis. — It is sometimes mistaken for rupture of the flexor 



Fig. 860.— Method of Applying 

 the Bandage. 



Fig. 861.— Showing the 

 Leg Bandaged. 



tendons ; but this is so improbable an occurrence, that we are 

 almost skeptical of its occurrence at all. If it does occur, it is ex- 

 tremely rare. In rupture of the ligaments, the fetlock descends to 

 the ground ; but when raised, the animal can flex the foot, which 

 he could not do were the tendons ruptured. It usually occurs near 

 the sesamoides, when we have swelling, heat, and pain. 



Treatment. — Slinging is almost indispensable to keep the limb 

 steady. Splints and bandages should be judiciously applied, and a 

 high-heeled shoe put on so as to keep the parts in situ; and 

 the inflammation must be regulated by the constant application of 

 cold, laxative medicine, and cooling, easily digested food, sparingly 



