LACERATED TENDONS. 353 



being the injured one, the opposite muscles, the extensors, acting 

 freely, the entire lower part of the leg, from the hock down, will 

 be suddenly, with a jerk, extended on the tibia or shank bone, and 

 simultaneously with this the tendo-Achillis, the cord of the hock, the 

 tendons of the extensors of the hock will be put in a wrinkled and 

 relaxed condition. The leg is behind the animal and the toe rests 

 on the ground. Examination of the fore part of the shank from the 

 stifle down to the hock may reveal soreness, and possibly some 

 swelling and heat at the seat of the lesion. 



Treatment. — Our experience with injuries of this form satisfies us 

 that, generally speaking, they are amenable to treatment. Very few 

 instances have come to our knowledge in which radical recovery has 

 not been obtained, provided a sufficient time has been allowed for 

 union to take place. The more flexed the leg can be kept, the quicker 

 will it heal. 



In these cases, as in those already considered of simple laceration of 

 tendons, the indications resemble those which apply in the treatment 

 of fractures; as near as coaptation of the lacerated ends is possible, 

 with immobility, being the necessary conditions to secure. The first 

 is a matter of very difficult accomplishment, by bandaging alone, and 

 some have recommended instead the application of charges or blisters 

 in order to compel the animal to keep more quiet. 



To secure the necessary immobility the animal should be placed in 

 slings snugly applied, and kept in a narrow stall. He should also be 

 tied short, and restrained from any backward movement by ropes or 

 boards, and he should, moreover, be kept in as quiet a temper as pos- 

 sible by the exclusion of all causes of irritation or excitement. Weeks 

 must then elapse, not less, but frequently more than six, often eight, 

 before he can be considered out of danger and able to return to his 

 labor, which should for a time be light and easy, and gradually, if 

 ever, increased to the measure of a thoroughly sound and strong ani- 

 mal. If he is used too soon the newly formed tissue between the ends 

 of the muscle will be apt to stretch and leave the flexor muscle too 

 long and permanently displaced. 



SUNDRY ADDITIONAL AFFECTIONS OF THE EXTREMITIES. 



Among these there are three which will principally occupy our 

 attention, and these may be considered as forming a single group. In 

 some parts of the legs may be found certain peculiar little structures 

 of a saclike formation, containing an oily substance designed for the 

 lubrication of the parts upon which they are placed for the purpose 

 of facilitating the movements of the tendons which pass over them. 

 These little sacs or muco-synovial capsules are liable under peculiar 

 conditions of traumatism to become subject to a diseased process, 



■ H. Doc. 795, 59-2 23 



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