Stifled 237 
so afflicted is commonly said to be “stifled.” In this 
condition the stifle-bone slips to the outside of the 
stifle-joint, and the horse is unable to move the hind 
leg to any extent, especially in bringing it forward. 
The causes of this trouble are external violence, 
especially slipping when the animal is getting up in 
the stable. It most frequently affects loose-jointed 
colts that are pastured on hilly or gravelly pastures. 
A “stifled” animal can scarcely move. The hind leg 
on the affected side usually stands backward with the 
toe resting on the ground, the animal being unable 
to bring it forward. The muscles of the leg seem to 
be cramped and slightly swollen. There is a lump or 
swelling on the outside and a little below the stifle- 
joint. Ifthe animal is forced to move, it goes on three 
legs, dragging the injured leg. 
The treatment consists in replacing the stifle-bone 
and keeping it in its normal position. Sometimes a 
sudden movement on the part of the animal, such as 
would follow a sharp cut with the whip, will cause 
the bone to slip back into place of its own accord. 
The better method is to fasten a rope or strap around 
the affected leg below the fetlock-joint, and while an 
assistant draws the leg forward the operator pushes 
the stifle-bone forward and inward, causing it to slip 
into place with a well-defined “cluck.” The horse 
should be kept standing for forty-eight hours, with 
the affected leg kept well forward by tying the rope 
or strap that is around the fetlock through the collar. 
A sharp fly-blister should be placed on the outside of 
the stifle-joint. The horse should be allowed gentle 
