LACERATION OF THE FLEXOR METATARSI MUSCLE. 
267 
Five after kicking backwards, and the legs of the animal being 
held in the shafts of the wagon. 
Four by slipping or falling with the leg extended backwards. 
One by a weight falling on the lumbar region, under which the 
animal had given way. 
One by muscular contraction, the animal being cast and secured 
for an operation. 
Three observations with aetiology unknown. 
Three observations with aetiology incomplete. 
Of the post mortem the writer, Mr. Carnet, says that Mr. 
Bouley jeune, reporting a case which took place at the school of 
Alfort, found that “ the cord of the muscle was ruptured in its 
totality, on a level with the diaphysis of the tibiaalso “ Mr. 
Goubaux found that the tendon, common to the extensor pedis 
and the flexor metatarsi, was found ruptured at its origin in the 
inferior cavity of the femur.” 
The question of the prognosis is said not to be serious, as after 
fifteen to twenty days there is a notable improvement, and a com¬ 
plete cure after fifty or sixty days of the twenty-one cases re¬ 
corded. 
The cure was obtained before the 40th day in 4 cases. 
“ “ “ between the 40th and 50th day in 4 cases. 
“ “ “ “ “ 50th and 60th “ 7 “ 
“ “ “ after “ 65th “ 2 “ 
One case was destroyed from an error of diagnosis, two for 
other causes, and one as incurable. 
By the above remarks you can see that the question of the true 
seat of the lesions remained somewhat doubtful even with such 
high authorities, though probably all are inclined to locate it in 
the tendons principally. 
Percivall says “ the flexor metatarsi muscle or its tendon, and 
most likely the latter.” Prof. William reports “ that the flexor 
metatarsi was lacerated across its whole thickness.” Gourdon 
places it “in the tendinous cord of the muscle.” Bouley jeune and 
Gouleaux in the tendon. Yes ; but what part of it? This ques¬ 
tion I have tried to solve by experiment. 
