DRY ARTHRITIS 83 



and direct its extremity towards the skin about two inches down the 

 extensor pedis muscle. A counter opening is then made down on to the 

 point of the instrument. Free drainage is thus obtained, and there is no 

 danger of pocketing of purulent material near the joint. The upper 

 opening may now be closed and the wound treated by injections through 

 the lower opening, the patency of which is maintained by plugging. 



Traumatic arthritis of the elbow may be caused by a kick, or stab 

 from a fork, or it may be due to an extension from an abscess in the 

 region of the joint. According to Franck, there is always a communica- 

 tion between the sheath of the flexor metacarpi externus and the joint, 

 so that wounds below the upper extremity of this muscle should be looked 

 upon with suspicion. 



Wounds extending into the joint should be washed, disinfected, and 

 closed by inserting sutures, or by the application of adhesive strapping, 

 and the patient should be placed in slings. In the case of this joint it is 

 extremely difficult to maintain bandages in position, since few horses will 

 stand compression at the elbow. Small punctured wounds may frequently 

 be closed by applying a blister. This causes the parts to swell and so 

 closes the orifice. For this purpose biniodide of mercury is best, on 

 account of its antiseptic properties. 



DRY ARTHRITIS 



This affection is occasionally seen in very old horses. The joint 

 does not discharge, and the condition is associated with a most peculiar 

 lameness which is characterised by a " falling forward action." This 

 occurs when the foot is flat on the ground and the animal puts weight 

 upon the limb. The limb from the elbow downwards maintains an up- 

 right position. The shoulder sinks, with the result that there is a drop- 

 ping of the fore-quarter, and simultaneously a forcing forwards of that 

 side of the body. Later we have atrophy of the muscles above the 



