DISEASES OP THE MUCOUS BURSA 249 



What are the causes of simple atrophy ? 



In certain ctronic lamenesses, the result of articular dis- 

 eases, as in spavin or ringbones, wasting of the muscles 

 of the croup or shoulder is common. In this instance 

 muscles atrophy on account of a reflex disturbance of the 

 trophic nerves, and, second, on account of inactivity— that 

 is, enforced quietude of the affected muscle. 



Can you give a positive testimony as to the length of time a 

 part is atrophied ? 



In the vast majority of cases of muscular wasting, it is 

 impossible to conscientiously state the age of an atrophy. It 

 can only be approximated, which, of course, is of little value 

 from a forensic point of view. 



Why can you not give a positive answer as to the age of an 

 atrophy ? 



Because the muscles of some animals waste away more 

 quickly than those of others, because the atrophy becomes 

 more quickly evident the fatter the animal, and the greater 

 the lameness. Marked atrophy of muscles in fat animals is 

 sometimes seen to take place in two to four weeks. 



DEGENEKATIVB ATROPHY. 



What is degenerative atrophy ? 



A decrease in size and numbers of the muscular elementa, 

 with destruction of the contractile substance and fatty degen- 

 eration of the same. 



Which are the common causes of degenerative m,uscular 

 atrophy f 

 Peripheral nerve paralysis and nutritive disturbances 

 due to serious infectious diseases. 



