Rupture of Extensor Pedis Tendojis 



107 1 



rence. Four of the cases observed by us occurred upon one farm, 

 in two successive years, and comprised all the foals dropped upon 

 the farm during that period. The foals were in some instances 

 apparently well at the time of birth. Attempting to stand, they 

 soon went over on their knees, and were quite unable to ex- 

 tend the metacarpus upon the radius. Others showed more 

 vigor, and for a time were-able to get up and stand without aid. 

 However, there was a constant tendency for the carpus to sud- 

 denly flex forward and the animal to fall, though the more vigor- 

 ous ones were able, with some difficulty, to stand, and to walk 

 without falling. 



In all instances which we have observed, the tendons have 

 ruptured in both legs, and the point of rupture is usually at the 

 upper part of the carpal sheath, where the tendon merges with 

 the muscle, as shown in Fig. 152. After the rupture, the end of 

 the tendon drops down in its carpal sheath, and reunion with its 

 muscle, eitherspontaneously or by surgical interference, becomes 

 impossible. 



In one instance the rupture of the tendons was accompanied 

 by extreme luxation of both patellse, the two patellae being com- 

 pletely dislocated laterally, disabling the foal.behind as well as 

 in front, so that, when it was raised upon its feet and the ante- 



FiG. 152. Rupture of the Extensor Pedis Longus Mpscr,E 

 IN New-born Foai<. 

 Right anterior limb seen from in front. 

 EM, Extensor metacarpus. i. Proximal ifuptured end 



EP,' Extensor pedis longus 2, Distal portion of tendon dropped 



EPA, Extensor pedis longus acces- down in the sheath, 3- 



