762 
DISEASES OF THE METATARSUS. 
portion. If the flexor pedis perforans is ruptured the animal should be 
slaughtered. 
Rupture of the flexor pedis perforatus is caused in a similar way, and 
also follows wounds of the metatarsus. The position of the phalanges 
is then less altered, though the fetlock is somewhat more oblique than 
usual. When the horse moves, the phalangeal joints are seen to be 
unusually lax; they dangle from side to side each time the foot is 
advanced—an unmistakable symptom of this rupture. 
Uncomplicated rupture of the flexor pedis perforatus is less grave; the 
Fig. 286.—Position of the limb, in infectious inflammation of the flexor pedis perforatus' 
sheath in the fetlock region (from a photograph). 
tendon often unites, and the usefulness of the limb may be fully restored. 
Treatment follows general principles. 
A hoi sc was stabbed in the heel of the right hind foot with a manure-fork, 
and severe lameness at once set in. Being called the same day, Moller 
thoroughly cleansed the wound, bathed the foot in creolin solution, and in the 
evening applied a large antiseptic dressing. The skin wound healed by 
primary intention, and pain diminished, though lameness continued. Moller 
therefore employed for the next few days moist warm applications, but the 
case did not _ improve. The animal was then regularly exercised, which 
greatly diminished the lameness, until one day pain returned in an unusually 
severe form, and the sheath of the flexor tendon was found to be greatly 
distended just above the fetlock-joint, and very painful on pressure. The 
