318 THE HORSE. 



is seldom strained in the hoTse, in consequenea of the strong liga. 

 ments which bind the bones of the carpus together. Still it some- 

 times happens that the internal lateral ligaments are overstretched, 

 or, in calf-kneed horses, the posterior common ligaments, or that 

 connecting the scaphoid with the pisiform bone, or probably all 

 these will suffer from over-extension. The accident may be re- 

 cognised by the heat and swelling of the part affected, as well as 

 by the pain given on using the joint. The anterior ligaments are 

 seldom strained, but are liable to injury from blows received in 

 various ways. The treatment should be conducted on the same 

 principles as those of strains in the shoulder. Cold applications 

 will seldom do anything but harm in the early stage; but after 

 hot fomentations have relieved the active mischief, by encouraging 

 the effusion of scrum into the surrounding cellular membrane, the 

 former may be used with advantage. When the heat and other 

 signs of active inflammation have disappeared, the biniodide of 

 mercury ointment may be rubbed in, avoiding the back of the joint. 



STRAIN OF THE FETLOCK. 



Tins accident shows itself at once, in consequence of the super- 

 ficial nature of the joint, by swelling, heat, soreness to the touch, 

 and lameness. It may be very slight or very severe, but in the 

 latter case it is generally complicated by strain of the back sinews, 

 or suspensory ligament. The treatment will be precisely on the 

 same plan as for strain of the knee. When the anterior ligaments 

 of the fetlock joint are strained and inflamed, as so often happens 

 with race-horses, the condition is known as "shin sore." 



STRAIN OF THE COFFIN JOINT. 



Dissection proves that this joint is sometimes the seat of 

 strain ; but it is almost impossible to ascertain its existence with 

 certainty during life. The diagnosis is, however, not of much 

 consequence, as the treatment will be the same, whether the coffin 

 joint, or the navicular joint is the seat of the mischief. In any 

 case, if severe, bleeding from the toe should be had recourse to, 

 followed by cold applications around the coronet, by means of a 

 strip of flannel or felt, tied loosely around the pastern, and kept 

 constantly wet. When the heat has subsided the coronet should 

 be blistered. 



STRAIN OF THE SUSPENSORY LIGAMENTS. 



The suspensory ligament not being elastic like the back 

 sinews (which, though not in themselves extensible, are the pro- 

 longations of muscles which have that property), is very liable to 

 Btrains, especially in the hunter, and to a less degree in the race- 

 horse. The accident is readily made out, for there is local swelling 



