STRAIN OF THE FLEXOR TENDON. 301 
behind it. The weight would roll down the descent: this the horse has 
to prevent, and the chief stress is then upon the back tendons. The in- 
juries to such parts are generally of a chronic character. The strain 
seldom occasions decided lameness. But the horse being harnessed to 
the shafts, the cause is in daily operation. The part injured is being 
constautly excited. Thus, without the development of a single acute 
symptom, the tendons are stretehed—a low kind of inflammation is 
generated—and this action being kept up, the sinews gradually lose 
their elasticity, and shorten. 
When strain of the fore leg is received, the animal goes oddly, but is 
not lame. However, if put into the stable and taken out the next morn- 
ing, the horse is found to be stiff and apparently very cramped. The 
halting action may disappear upon exercise; but assuredly it will again 
be present on the following dawn. The proprietor may resolve to work 
“the brute” sound. Such a speculation with disease may occasionally 
answer; but, on the large scale, it is a losing game, for it more often 
fails than succeeds: the limb, on work, commonly does not amend. The 
symptoms are aggravated in every way; and what was curable in the 
first stage is apt, after the lapse of time, to degenerate into an intracta- 
ble malady. The many horses to be seen in the London cab ranks, with 
the fore limbs permanently contracted, are evidences as to the result of 
such very knowing treatment. 
When a horse slightly strains the flexor tendon, do not expect to 
discover the seat of the affection till several hours have elapsed. Then 
pass the hand gently down the injured limb. A small swelling may be 
detected. The enlargement may feel soft, slightly warm, but hardly 
tender. Bind a linen bandage round the leg rather tightly, and keep 
this constantly wet with cold water. For the three first nights, have 
men to sit up in the stable and perform that operation. After that time, 
if everything goes on well, wet the limb only during the day. 
Throw up the horse till more than recovered, and do not put it to full 
work till some period after that event. Give immediately four drachms 
of aloes. Allow only two feeds of corn per day; but do not turn out 
to graze, under the idea that it saves cost and gives a chance that the 
animal may be taken up sound. At grass, the horse must walk many 
miles to eat poor food, sufficient to support life. This kind of motion 
will not suit a strain, which does best with absolute rest. Keep, there- 
fore, in a stall, and do not begrudge the necessary meat to support the 
life which has suffered injury, and is now enduring pain, in consequence 
of exertion made in your service. 
