SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT. 



29 



hard and tense like a tightly-strung violin string. If its strength 

 has been impaired by a sprain, it will feel comparatively sotf, 

 and convey the impression that it has lost its fibrous character to 

 some extent. In case of doubt, comjiarison with a leg known to 

 be sound will greatly help in forming a correct conclusion. 



The tendons and ligaments of some legs, particularly those of 

 underbred horses, are often covered with an unusually large 



Perforaltit tendon 

 .... FMirram tendon 

 Chtoh, UgamerU. 



.. Susjuniory lufomttit 



"-•- Susiuruary Ugajneiit 



Perforans tendon 

 Pedal bone or coffin bone 



Fig 5. —Diagram of bones, tendons, and ligaments of near fore leg. 



amount of loose tissue, causing the legs to have a more or less 

 '' filled '' appearance, though without affecting their capacity for 

 standing work. The apparent " cleanness '' due to absorption 

 consequent on old age, which many stale worn-out legs exhibit, 

 should not be mistaken for strength and freshness. The condition 

 at the knees and fetlocks will aid the observer in forming a correct 

 judgment on such oases. The knees show the effects of work by 

 being bowed and shaiy ; the fetlocks, by being round and puffy ; 

 and the pasterns, as a rule, by being abnormally upright. 



Horses are peculiarly liable to sprain their suspensory ligaments 

 at the gallop. 



