OPERATIONS FOR STRINGHALT. 
753 
Hertwig recommended cutting through the tensor vaginae femoris, 
about 3 or 4 inches below the external angle of the ilium. This opera¬ 
tion is more difficult, and is often followed by burrowing of pus, asepsis 
being almost impossible. The result is doubtful; cases are said to have 
been cured, though in one, which was successful, the incision was only 
carried through the skin on account of bleeding. 
Bassi suggests dividing the internal lateral ligament of the patella. 
Experiments show that this operation is not easy, on account of the 
ligament in question being so ill-defined. The method is worth a trial 
in cases where the cause is thought to lie in the stifle-joint (see 
££ Displacement of the Patella ”). 
Starting from the hypothesis that in one case stringhalt was produced 
by inflammation of sensory nerves, Moller divided the anterior tibial 
nerve, hut without success. Failure also followed subcutaneous injec¬ 
tions of morphine and veratrine, and section of the internal insertion of 
the flexor metatarsi muscle. Section of the posterior tibial nerve above 
the hock has succeeded in cases where the cause of the disease was 
situated in the lower portion of the limb. 
A condition in some respects resembling stringhalt has been called 
££ straw cramp.” The animals, while standing on straw, show peculiar 
symptoms, particularly when turning round. The affected hind limb is 
lifted convulsively, sometimes so violently that the animal falls. Painful 
conditions like inflammation in the skin of the heel or in the bend of the 
hock produce similar symptoms, which are then, of course, easily ex¬ 
plained. But in some horses, particularly in coarse-bred animals, the 
attacks occur without any visible cause. The most careful examination 
fails to detect pain in the affected limb. In such cases tibial neurectomy 
produces no particular improvement. Similar symptoms are seen in 
luxation of the patella. 
In a horse Moller had under observation, a similar effect was produced 
by irritation of the ear. If the finger were introduced into either ear, 
the hind limb of the same side was lifted and carried forward in an 
almost horizontal direction, the movement being convulsive. Though 
the condition only lasted a few seconds, the horse was quite useless, 
because the pressure of the bridle or halter on the ear immediately 
induced fresh attacks. Not the slightest anatomical change could be 
detected in the ears. 
v.s. 
3 c 
