238 The Diseases of Animals 



exercise in a level pasture, or given very light work 

 until the ruptured ligaments have thoroughly healed 

 and the parts contracted. 



Stifle may become chronic; that is, the stifle-bone 

 may slip out very frequently. In bad cases it may 

 slip out or in of its own accord nearly every time the 

 animal steps. The treatment for these chronic cases is 

 not satisfactory. A stifle shoe can be applied to pre- 

 vent the animal from getting the foot too far backward. 

 This consists in welding a piece of iron to the shoe 

 and allowing it to extend forward, the end being turned 

 upward. Repeated applications of light blisters, and 

 rest or gentle exercise, give the best results. 



Dislocation of the Neck 



A partial dislocation of the neck is sometimes caused 

 by the animal's becoming entangled in the tie-rope and 

 being thrown in such a manner as to double the neck 

 under the body. In rare cases the neck may be com- 

 pletely dislocated and the animal still live. In the 

 partial dislocation the head is twisted around to one 

 side and remains in that position, the animal being 

 unable to move it to any extent. Sometimes the 

 difficulty is purely muscular, caused by a paralysis of 

 the muscles from lying too long in a cramped position. 

 Bathing the affected muscles with hot water, and rub- 

 bing them well, is usually sufficient to enable the animal 

 to gradually recover the use of the muscles. The dis- 

 location of the vertebrae is difficult to treat. 



