562 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



views. It appears to us to depend on contraction of the ligaments 



at the back of the joint. 



Causes. — It is generally caused by too hard work when young, 



particularly continued road-work, which causes the joints to start 

 forward, as shown in Figs. 872, 873. 



Symptoms. — It requires but to be seen to be 

 recognized. Instead of the beautiful, symmet- 

 rical form of the limb, the joint is thrown for- 

 ward, throwing the shank-bone more oblique 

 and the pastern-bone more straight, giving the 

 animal a jaded, tottering appearance. 



Treatment. — Some blister; or fire and blister ; 

 but we think this does no good whatever. All 

 we can do is to give rest ; leave the rest to 

 nature. Turn him into a large loose box or 

 small paddock,' and feed him well, and it is as- 

 tonishing how the patient will sometimes im- 

 prove. - ? 



Drs. Hamill and Meyer treat ordinary cases 

 of sprung knees with very marked success, by 

 lowering the heels and lengthening out the toes 

 somewhat ; this can be done both by paring the. 

 heels down some, and using thin-heeled shoes ; 



then- rubbing on the legs once or twice a day alcohol, or any good 



stimulant. The case seems to improve 



even under moderate work. Very bad 



cases are incurable. 



Broken Knees, or Open Joint. 



It is a very common occurrence in the 

 horse, generally arising from accidents, 

 kicks, blows, stabs, etc. -It is most com- 

 mon in the knee and hock; but all the 

 joints of the limbs are liable to be punc- 

 tured or laid open by some accident or 

 injury. 



Open joints are generally divided into 

 lacerated and punctured. In the former 

 we have the skin, ligaments, etc., cut 

 through, and the joint laid open, as is often seen in the knee. In 

 the latter we have merely a small opening (it may be only sufficient 

 to admit the probe) into the joint, from which trickles the synovia, 

 or joint-oil. 



Fig. 872.— An Ordinary 

 Case of Sprung Knees. 



Pig. 878. 



