856 



DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



Sometimes, after the fever and inflammation are subdued, 

 counter-irritants and even actual cautery are necessary. 



Dislocation of the Patella (Knee-Cap). 

 This is the most frequent form of dislocation met with among 



Fig. 1137. — Dislocation of Patella. 



cattle. It appears to be a result of weakness, or sprain of the liga- 

 ment. The symptoms cannot be mistaken. The patella is usually 

 displaced outward, appearing as a hard tumor on the external aspect 

 of the stifle joint. At the front of the joint there is a large depres- 

 sion, which marks the position the patella should occupy. The 

 animal moves on three legs, dragging the affected limb with the foot 

 on the ground. (See Fig. 1137.) 



Treatment. — Reduction is effected by drawing the limb forward. 

 This is best done by means of a loop about the fetlock. Pass the 



rope between the fore 

 legs, and direct the as- 

 sistants to pull the leg 

 upward and toward the 

 abdomen. At the same 

 time grasp the muscular 

 part of the leg with one 

 hand, and pull outward, 

 while with the other 

 hand placed on the pa- 

 tella you push inward. 

 The displaced bone will 

 probably slip back easily_ 

 into position. The limb 



Fig. 1188.— Mode ot Securing the Leg to Prevent 

 Dislocation of the Patella. 



