CANADIAN HOESE AND HIS DISEASES. 27 



contraction of the flexors, to such a degree that the equili- 

 brium of the flexors and extensors is destroyed." Dissection, 

 however, fails to confirm these views. It appears to us to 

 depend on contraction of the ligaments at the back of the 

 joint. 



Causes. — It is generally caused by too hard work when 

 young, particularly continued road-work, which causes the 

 joints to start forward,; and, if it is continued, it becomes 

 habitual 



Symptoms. — It requires but to be seen to be recognised. 

 Instead of the beautiful, symmetrical form of the limb, the 

 joint is thrown forward, throwing the shank-bone more ob- 

 lique and the pastern-bones more straight, giving the animal 

 a jaded, tottering appearance. 



Treatment, — Some blister, or fire and blister; but we 

 think these do no good whatever. All we can do is to give 

 rest ; leave the rest to nature. Turn him into a large loose- 

 box or small paddock, and feed him well, and it is astonish- 

 ing: how the patient will sometimes improve. 



Unless accompanied by some morbid growth, or other 



diseased state of the joint, we are not justified in calling it 



unsoundness. 



WIND-GALLS. 



Wind-gall is the name given to those soft, puffy swellings 

 found at the back-part of the fetlock-joint, from a supposi- 

 tion that they contained air or wind. They consist of en- 

 largement of the little sacs or bags, which are always found 

 to contain a mucous fluid wherever tendons pass over joints, 

 as at the back of the fetlock. This form may be called simfle. 

 wind-gall. In other cases, again, the distension is caused by 

 an increased secretion and bulging of the capsular ligament 

 of the joint itself This form may be distinguished as com- 

 plicated wind-gall. 



