Sprain of the Stifle Joint.—This is not very common, but when it does occur it may be easily recognized by the swelling, which, being superficial, can be easily felt, and by the pain caused by pressure. The action is also peculiar, the animal is unwilling to advance the hind leg, and drags it after him in trotting.
Treatment.—Warm applications frequently applied, and Humphreys’ Marvel Witch Hazel morning and evening. As soon as the inflammation subsides the warm application must be discontinued, and a dose of B.B. given three times per day.
Sprain of the Hock.—The tendons and ligaments of this joint are all liable to be sprained in leaping and galloping through heavy ground. The tendons of the gastrocnemii internus, or those which retain the latter in its place, sometimes become lacerated, and allow the cap formed by the gastrocnemii tendon to slip off the os calcis to the outside. In such an accident we cannot replace the tendon, but with rest and warm applications the animal may become fit for road-work.
The tendon of the flexor pedis perforans, which passes down the back of the hock, is occasionally sprained, and the sprain is followed by a thickening, and sometimes ossification of the tendon. The extensor pedis at the front of the hock may also be sprained, and this occurs just where the tendon passes under the inferior annular ligaments, and, being accompanied by distension of the bursa, may be mistaken for sprain.
The ligaments connecting the bones of the hock may suffer from an ordinary sprain, which, if discovered and properly treated, may be easily cured. But, unfortunately, the sprain is seldom discovered until the inflammation has wrought an important pathological change in the tarsal ligaments, whereby their structure loses its elasticity and becomes converted into a cartilaginous or bony substance. If this takes place in the inner part of the hock, we call the disease Spavin; but if on the posterior part we call it Curb. These are usually classed as diseases of the bone, but they more properly belong to this category, as they are an effect of long continued and neglected Sprain.
Give fifteen drops of B.B., three times per day.
Cutting, Brushing, Speedy-Cut,
Over-Reach and Tread.
These are names given to bruises caused by one foot striking against another foot or leg.
Cutting or Brushing is caused by a foot striking the opposite fetlock or cannon bone. It may occur before or behind; usually behind. It arises from defective structure of the legs, or from wasting of the legs in horses badly fed, so that they are brought abnormally near to each other.