LAMENESS: ITS CAUSES AND TREATMENT. 353 
than has been supposed. Many observations and careful dissections 
have convinced us that fractures of these little bones have been often 
mistaken for specific lesions of the numerous ligaments that are 
implanted upon their superior and inferior parts, and which have 
been described as a “giving way” or “breaking down” of these 
ligaments. In my post-mortem examinations I have always noted 
the fact that when the attachments of the ligaments were torn from 
their bony connections minute fragments of bony structure were also 
separated, though we have failed to detect any diseased process of 
the fibrous tissue composing the ligamentous substance. 
Cause.—F rom whatever cause this lesion may arise, it can hardly 
be considered as of a traumatic nature, no external violence having 
any apparent agency in producing it, and it is our belief that it is 
due to a peculiar degeneration or softening of the bones themselves, a 
theory which acquires plausibility from the consideration of the 
spongy consistency of the sesamoids. The disease is a peculiar one, 
and the suddenness with which different feet are successively at- 
tacked, at short intervals and without any obvious cause, seems to 
prove the existence of some latent, morbid cause which has been unsus- 
pectedly incubating. It is not peculiar to any particular class of 
horses, nor to any special season of the year, having fallen under our 
observation in each of the four seasons. 
Symptoms.—The general fact is reported in the history of most 
cases that it makes its appearance without premonition in animals 
which, after enjoying a considerable period of rest, are first exer- 
cised or put to work, though in point of fact it may manifest itself 
while the horse is still idle in his stable. A hypothetical case, in 
illustration, will explain our theory: An animal which has been at 
rest in his stable is taken out to work, and it will be presently noticed 
that there is something unusual in his movement. His gait is 
changed, and he travels with short, mincing steps, without any of 
his accustomed ease and freedom. This may continue until his return 
to the stable, and then, after being placed in his stall, he will be 
noticed shifting his weight from side to side and from one leg to 
another, continuing the movement until rupture of the bony structure 
takes place. But it may happen that the lameness in one or more of 
the extremities, anterior or posterior, suddenly increases, and it 
becomes evident that the rupture. has taken place in consequence of 
a misstep or a stumble while the horse is at work. Then, upon com- 
ing to a standstill, he will be found with one or more of his toes 
turned up; he is unable to place the affected foot flat on the ground. 
The fetlock has dropped and the leg rests upon this part, the skin of 
which may have remained intact or may have been more or less exten- 
sively lacerated. It seldom happens that more than one toe at a 
36444°—16——28 
