18 
OBSERVATIONS ON CURB. 
it becomes at the back of the metatarsal bone of one uniform dia- 
meter. It does not, however, long continue so, for a little way- 
down it receives the tendon of the flexor pedis accessorius, and 
is joined by the fibres of the • ligamentous band, which take their 
rise from the lower cuneiform bones and the head of the cannon. 
Thus strengthened, it proceeds to the pastern, and thence to the 
foot. Contemplating the arrangement, it needs no argument to 
shew that the main stress upon the tendon would be exerted upon 
the comparatively long and straight portion situated at the back of 
the leg. The force is there more direct in its operation ; and as 
any structure is weak in proportion to its length, somewhere here- 
abouts the tendon would be expected to fail, if it gave way at all. 
The point where I found proofs of disease was between the ter- 
mination of the synovial membrane that facilitates the motion 
over the bones of the hock and the insertion of the accessories 
which strengthen the tendon, or at the place where the structure 
was weakest, and consequently most liable to yield. The disor- 
ganization which was present answered to the seat of curb, but 
also extended for a small distance below the place where swelling 
is usually observed. It is not improbable that the tendon may be 
injured beyond the point where the external evidence is seen, 
for the dense and strong fibrous sheath of the back sinews would 
effectually counteract the tumefaction, and at the same time pro- 
duce the acutest pain. 
I have probably written more on this subject than I was war- 
ranted in doing on such slight authority, but I trust that the in- 
quiry I have opened will lead to some result. So far as T can form 
any opinion at present, I would define curb to be sprain or lacera- 
tion of the perforans tendon, induced by the energetic contraction 
of the flexor pedis perforans muscle of the hinder leg. 
When I thus presume to define the disease, I allude only to true 
curb, and not to that species of false curb which obviously consists 
of sprain of the ligamentous band, and which exhibits a swelling 
lower down, more forwardly situated, and inclined to one side, 
being most frequently seen in the heavier description of animals. 
Pathologically, some may be inclined to think that the matter 
will be of small importance. With such an opinion, however, I 
would by no means agree. If the important structure my conjec- 
tures indicate be the seat of the lesion, then the injury becomes of 
far more importance than it has hitherto been considered, and the 
customary treatment certainly demands essential modification. 
The value of the animal that has recovered from the injury will 
likewise need reconsideration in our certificates as to soundness ; 
the age at which a horse is fit to follow the hounds may with con- 
fidence and for known reasons be insisted on, and probably the sex 
