TRAUMATIC ARTHRITIS 115 



In whatever part of the articulation it commences, unless the animal 

 be so severely lame as to necessitate its destruction the disease has a 

 tendency ultimately to surround the joint. 



In the commencing stages of the disease considerable ease may be 

 afforded the patient by judicious shoeing, thin or thick heeled shoes being 

 utilised according to whether it is desired to relieve the pressure upon 

 the posterior or anterior portion of the articulation. Lameness may thus 

 be caused to disappear ; but the relief provided is only temporary, since the 

 progress of the disease, although retarded, is not arrested. 



Firing and blistering the joint in cases of true ringbone only 

 accelerate the inflammatory process, and tend to promote anchylosis 

 more quickly. 



The only treatment available to render the animal workable for any 

 length of time is neurectomy. If the swelling be prominent only on 

 one side of the joint, neurectomy of the plantar nerve of the corre- 

 sponding side should be performed. This will frequently afford relief 

 until the disease extends around the joint, when the operation should 

 be performed on the other plantar nerve. 



TRAUMATIC ARTHRITIS 



The pastern joint is well protected. In front we have the 

 expanded tendon of the extensor pedis, posteriorly the complementary 

 fibro-cartilage, and laterally the strong lateral ligaments. The 

 lateral aspects of the joint are also to a slight degree protected from 

 injury by the lateral cartilages. Traumatic arthritis occasionally occurs 

 as a result of accidentally puncturing the joint when pyro-puncturing 

 exostoses in this region when the parts are much deformed. When this 

 operation is performed, therefore, great care should be taken to localise 

 exactly the position of the articulation before proceeding with the 

 operation. It will be gathered from what we have said that danger is 



