CHRONIC INFLAMMATION OF THE STIFLE-JOINT. 
697 
The toe of the diseased foot is apt to catch on slight prominences ; at a 
trot the lameness shows some resemblance to spavin lameness, but the 
limb is not moved spasmodically, much more often it is carried stiffly. 
Though pain cannot usually be detected, the capsule of the joint is 
often visibly distended below the patella, and in the later stages the 
internal condyle of the femur is distinctly increased in size. This 
examination is made standing behind the horse (of course taking proper 
precautions) and grasping the stifle-joints alternately with both hands, 
so as to compare one with the other. Dogs are examined in the same 
Fig. 257.—Left-sideil chronic inflammation Fig. 258. — Bilateral chronic inflammation of 
of the stifle-joint (Gonitis chronica). the stifle-joint (Gonitis chronica bilateralis) 
(from a photograph). 
way. The animals sometimes show acute pain when the limb is 
abducted and rotated inwards (pronation). 
The disease is incurable, and neurotomy being out of the question, 
nothing can usually be done. Working-horses should be used as long 
as possible. If the owner insists on treatment, blisters, firing, or other 
resorptive measures can be tried. Recovery is extremely rare, and 
the improvement of reported cases probably depends on mistakes in 
diagnosis. 
A twelve year old gelding in heavy draught had for two years shown slight 
lameness in each hind limb alternately. The limbs gradually became upright 
