750 
DISEASES OF THE HOCK. 
(2) False stringhalt, caused by a number of other diseases, such as 
spavin, &c., but principally by contraction in the tensor fasciae latse, and in 
the extensor pedis tendon. Other forms in horses he considers due to brain 
disease, resulting from asymmetry of the skull, and in dogs to changes in the 
spinal cord following distemper. 
Moller divides stringhalt into idiopathic and symptomatic forms, and 
includes in the first those cases due to no visible cause ; and, in the 
second, those where a cause can be detected. 
Whatever be the cause, it is quite certain that the movement is 
involuntary. It must, therefore, be dependent on some mechanical 
action, e.g., contraction of the fasciai, of the tendons, or of the ligaments, 
oi on reflex action, originating either directly in the spinal cord, or 
thiough irritation of peripheral nerves, i.e., interference with innervation. 
Piobably both causes may at times be effective, though, as a rule, neither 
can be clinically identified. Amongst mechanical causes—for we may 
also term the first variety mechanical—changes in the extensor pedis 
tendon, the fascia of the thigh, and the patella or its ligaments deserve 
special attention. Even though Siedamgrotzky’s attempt to produce 
contiaction by exposing the peroneus tendon, and thrusting a piece of 
vood under it, gave negative results, yet numerous experiments show 
that section of this tendon often removes stringhalt. But the fact that 
it sometimes fails shows that stringhalt is not due to a single cause. 
Amongst the others must be included contraction of the fascia of the 
thigh, lefened to by Bieckerhoff, of the tensor fasciae latae, much spoken 
of by Heitvig, and of the lateral ligament of the patella, mentioned bv 
Bassi. Mollei has had no practical experience of the last, though he 
bas lepeatedly seen stringhalt-like movement in horses suffering from 
habitual upward luxation of the patella (see “Luxation of the Patella”); 
and as in these cases the form of the upper surface of the trochlea of 
the femur possibly plays a certain part, it seems possible that division 
of the innei lateial ligament of the patella might prove of service. 
Mollei several times divided the fascia of the thigh when division of the 
peioneus tendon had pioved insufficient, but rarely saw real improvement. 
When section of the tendon was unsuccessful, that of the fascia always 
failed. Sometimes the whole of these various structures may be divided 
without affording relief, in which case the condition is probably reflex, 
and eitliei lesembles chorea minor of man, or is due to disturbance in 
the co-ordination of movement, i.e., ataxia (see “ Paralysis of the Hind 
Lxtiemities ). Symptomatic stringhalt following disease of the foot, 
such as piessuie on the lateral cartilage, is most easily explained by 
legal ding the reflex act as originating in these parts. 
llie lesults of peiipheral irritation chiefly aftect the flexor muscles, 
because the extensors act principally whilst weight is thrown on the 
