REPORTS OF CASES. 
399 
instead of being prominent, was but a roughened surface 
caused by extensive ulceration. The smooth articular head 
of the humerus was replaced by a very rough irregular 
eminence, the result of extensive ulceration. The bicipital 
gioove in the same manner was roughened by numerous 
exostoses and ulcerations. Not only was this groove and 
head the only part of the humerus affected, but the whole 
superior extremity was covered by quite considerable bony 
deposits, results of the periostitis. 
These are, indeed, all very interesting lesions, but those 
found in brachial biceps are equally, if not more so. They 
were torn from their superior attachment, at the coracoid 
process. They were swollen and of a normal color, but showed 
evidence of the laceration of some of the muscular fibres. 
Section showed that degeneration had taken place, by which 
many of the fibres had taken on a tendinous aspect. The 
ligamentous band that runs through this muscle was thickened 
and much discolored, and was not of its strong nature, but 
softer and more pliable. This change was noticed in this band 
from its inferior third to the superior extremity, which ought 
to have been fastened to the coracoid process. 
The rupture of the superior extremity of this muscle 
from its place of insertion is the obvious cause for the posi¬ 
tion assumed by the animal. All the lesions found are evi¬ 
dences of an extensive acute arthritis. Both joints showed 
the same lesions, probably the near more extensively than 
the off side. Is this all a result of the rheumatism ? Or will 
some one kindly offer some other explanation ? One more 
word to show the importance of the brachial biceps muscle 
to the animal while he is standing. Not only is it a tensor 
of the antibrachial aponeurosis and a flexor of the forearm, 
but, through the medium of the inextensible ligamentous 
band which traverses its center, prevents the closing of the 
scapulo-humeral angle. So long as this angle is maintained, 
the animal assumes his normal position, but as soon as it is 
closed the positions asumed by our animal will be the result. 
i 
