DISEASES OP ARTICULATIONS 211 



now does improper paring of the hoof or shoeing produce 

 distortion f 



In a way similar to the one just explained. A ioof , one- 

 quarter of ■which is left higher than its mate, will, at the 

 moment it is placed upon the ground to receive the weight of 

 the body, wabble more or less; in other words, the phalangeal 

 articulations are at that moment twisted, which, as easily 

 seen, leads to distortions. 



What articular changes take place in simple and complicated 

 distortions ? 



In simple sprains the capsular ligament is usually crushed, 

 but may be torn ; the ligaments, not being elastic, cannot 

 stretch, but elongate a little; as soon as their limit is reached 

 a few of the fibres rupture or the whole ligament tears. 



In simple dislocation there is bleeding within and without 

 of the articulation. In complicated distortions, the capsular 

 membrane is likely to be torn, the ligaments lacerated more 

 or less, the entire ligament may be detached from the bone, 

 there may be a fracture or dislocation, extensive hemorrhage 

 into the joint cavity and surrounding tissues. 



What symptoms does a distortion produce ? 



Sudden lameness ; quite often after a few steps this first 

 or primary pain disappears, to reach a high degree as soon as 

 the animal obtains some rest and is then started. This so- 

 called secondary pain is the result of the setting in of an 

 inflammatory reparative process. Now heat, swelling, at first 

 doughy, later firm, pain on palpation, especially on rotation 

 of the joint, are evident. 



How do distortions terminate ? 



In those cases where the capsular ligament and the other 

 retaining ligaments are not torn, recovery takes place in a few 



