44 THE CANADIAN HOESE 



ABSCESS OF THE PEEFOKANS TENDON. 



While treating of tendons, we may mention that matter 

 sometimes forms in the tendon, from puncture by a thorn 

 or some sharp instrument, as in a case shown us by Mr 

 Anderson, V.S., Glasgow. It occurred in a draught-horse, 

 which was very lame, and all, remedies failed to effect a cure. 

 He was destroyed by the advice of Mr Anderson, and the 

 tendon was sent to his surgery, where we examined it while 

 still fresh. It was considerably thickened, and, when cut open, 

 about an ounce of matter escaped from a complete abscess in 

 the centre of the tendon. This is a very rare occurrence, 

 but is well worthy of notice, and when met with, may be 

 recognised by the pain, thickening, and incurable nature of 

 the lameness. The appropriate treatment would consist in 

 making a longitudinal incision, to allow the matter to escape ; 

 and continued poultices might restore the limb. 



BEEAKING DOWN. 



The suspensory ligament is one of the strongest in the 

 ' body ; it is placed immediately behind the cannon-bone, 

 from the head of which it rises, passing down it divides, one 

 division going to each of the small bones at the back of the 

 fetlock (ossa sessamoidea.) This ligament is the great main- 

 stay of the fetlock-joint, and sustains the most of the weight 

 at this part, consequently we frequently find it snap asunder 

 under the great y eight thrown upon it in leaping, galloping, 

 &e. It is sometimes broken above the division ; but more 

 commonly, one or both bifurcations are torn. 



Causes. — Violent exertion, or sudden jerks, as is the case 

 in leaping, galloping, or jumping from a height. 



Symptoms. — It is sometimes mistaken for rupture of the 

 flexor tendons ; but this is so improbable an occurrence, that 

 we are almost sceptical of its occurrence at all. If it does 



