712 
Translations and Reviews of Continental 
Veterinary Journals. 
By W. Ernes, M.R.C.V.S., London. 
Journal des Vetcrinaires du Midi , for July, 1859. 
SPRAIN OF THE FLEXOR TENDONS. 
CLINIC AT THE VETERINARY SCHOOL OF TOULOUSE. 
By M. Serues, Chef de la Clinique. 
This injury is of frequent occurrence among horses which 
are employed in drawing heavy loads, and also among those 
that are used for quick work. When a horse has sprained 
his tendon, a swelling appears along its course, and the part 
is hot and painful. It is also accompanied with more or less 
lameness. The affection does not yield very readily to treat¬ 
ment, and there is ever afterwards a great tendency to a relapse. 
When the thickening of the tendon persists, and which is 
frequently the case when the animal is continued in his 
work, the tendons insensibly contract, and often to such an 
extent that the horse knuckles over in progression —id est, 
the front of the fetlock touches the ground. In this case the 
horse is next to useless. 
The treatment varies with the period of existence of the 
malady. In the beginning, means should be employed for 
the purpose of obtaining “ resolution.” Refrigerants are the 
best agents, and emollients should not be resorted to unless 
great pain is present. If the sprain has existed for some time, 
revulsives are indicated. Firing has been had recourse to, 
but the result of this has been to hasten the contraction. It 
is almost needless to remark that rest is indispensable during 
the acute period of the disease. In cases where the animal 
is compelled to continue at work, it will be necessary as well 
as beneficial to modify the shoeing, by elevating the heels 
and shortening the toes. When these remedies are powerless 
for good, tenotomy must be resorted to. But this operation 
should not be performed unless all the symptoms of inflam¬ 
mation have disappeared, and the contraction is complete. 
The slightest tenderness evinced on pressure of the parts, is 
a counter-indication to the operation. We will say nothing 
