INFLAMMATION OF THE HIP-JOINT. 
665 
IY.—INFLAMMATION OF THE HIP-JOINT (COXITIS). 
With the exception of the elbow-joint, the coxo-femoral articulation 
seems least of all inclined to disease processes, and in horses is seldom 
affected, though in them, and still more frequently in cattle, displace¬ 
ment accompanied by partial or total rupture of the ligamentum teres 
and of the capsular ligament does occur. In some of Harms’ col¬ 
lected cases (cattle) the head of the femur showed abraded spots. 
Eberhardt also reports cases in cattle where the post-mortem showed 
rupture of the ligamentum teres and of certain muscles around the 
hip-joint. 
Contusion of the hip-joint follows falls on rough, hard ground, though 
the bursa trochanterica is then more apt to become diseased. 
Spontaneous inflammation of the hip-joint is a rarity. In oxen 
double-sided purulent coxitis was seen by Noak, probably from embolism 
following traumatic pericarditis. In “navel-ill” in foals, and “white 
scour” of calves, both the result of infection of the umbilical cord in new¬ 
born animals, purulent inflammation of the joint sometimes develops. 
In cattle, as in men, some cases of suppuration in the hip-joint may be 
due to tuberculosis. 
The chronic inflammation termed malum coxse senile, so common in 
men, is exceedingly rare in animals, though Falke’s observations show 
that it does occur. Schrader, who specially studied this form of disease 
in horses, also describes it as very rare. It is seldom recognised, even 
post-mortem. 
Symptoms. Lameness is more or less severe, depending on the 
degree of inflammation. In cattle the diseased limb is extended with 
the toe turned outwards. The gait is of a rolling character, the limb 
being directed outwards and carried forward in a semi-circle. It is apt 
to collapse under the animal, especially when turning on the diseased 
side. In the horse the symptoms are similar. As a rule, there is 
abduction of the limb and lameness when it is carried (swinging- 
leg lameness). Suppuration is notified by cellulitis in the region of 
the joint. 
Course. The cases of hip-joint disease in cattle seen by Harms 
generally took an unfavourable course. A few improved, but none 
completely recovered. If lameness be marked, it is best to slaughter 
the animal. In horses, contusion of the hip-joint generally terminates 
in recovery in about fourteen days, but suppurative arthritis and 
arthritis chronica deformans are incurable. 
Treatment. Rest is of the first importance. If necessary, the 
animal may be slung, otherwise it should be provided with abundant 
bedding. 
