226 PEINOIPLES OF VETEEINABY SURGERY 



Dog : Tendo Achilles and flexor metatarsi. 

 What are the symptoms of tendon ruptures f 



They vary according to the tendon involved. The first 

 thing is sudden lameness with more or less dorsal flexion of 

 the phalangeal joints. In case the superior sesamoidal liga- 

 ment is torn, the hoof hears weight with its whole plantar 

 circumference, but the fetlock is let down — that is, exhibits 

 excessive dorsal flexion. In case of the perforans, there is 

 some dorsal flexion of the phalanges and the toe of the hoof is 

 turned up a little, while in rupture of the perforans all three 

 phalangeal articulations show decided dorsal flexion, weight 

 being borne only by the heel of the hoof with the toe of the 

 hoof distinctly elevated from the ground. In the earliest 

 stages the point of division of the tendon can usually be felt, 

 l?ut is soon obscured by inflammatory swelling. 



What is the prognosis of these tendon ruptures 9 



Those of the forelegs, unless due to necrosis, which are 

 usually incurable, heal in two to three months. 



What are the symptoms of rupture of the flexor metatarsi f 



Sudden swinging-leg lameness ; the angle of the hock 

 joint is wide open — that is, the tarsal articulation is extended 

 to its fullest extent — while the stifle joint is decidedly flexed. 

 The thigh totters so much that the two hocks may strike 

 against each other. "When the hand grasps the fetlock and 

 brings the leg backward, no resistance is felt, as the flexor 

 metatarsi is out of action at this moment ; the tendon achilles 

 is strongly relaxed. 



What is the prognosis of ruptwre of the flexor metatarsi ? 



As a rule, recovery sets in in one to two months, leaving 

 quite often a snappy gait. 



