The application of cotton and bandages to pad the member and the adjusting of heavy leather splints on either side of the leg, and retaining them in position with four-inch gauze bandages will prove more nearly satisfactory than some other methods employed. Prognosis is unfavorable, however, in most cases of compound fracture and recovery is improbable when the upper portion of the tibia is broken.
Rupture and Wounds of the Tendo Achillis.
Etiology and Occurrence.—Cases are recorded by Uhlrich in which rupture has followed degenerative changes affecting the tendo Achillis. Not infrequently, the result of a trauma, division of the tendo Achillis occurs. Möller states that rupture of this tendon may be due to jumping, in riding horses and in draught horses, in their efforts to avoid slipping. In runaways, it sometimes occurs where sharp-edged implements are bounced against the legs in such fashion that division of the tendon results.
Symptomatology.—With division of the tendo Achillis or of the musculature of the gastroenemii and the superficial flexor (perforatus), there remains nothing to inhibit tarsal flexion except the deep flexor tendon (perforans) and this does not support the leg. When attempt is made to sustain weight with the affected member, abnormal flexion of the tarsus takes place and the hock sinks almost to the ground. The symptoms are so characteristic that recognition is always easy even in case no wound of the skin exists.
Prognosis.—Spontaneous recoveries occur and such cases are reported by Bouley who is quoted by Cadiot as having observed division of the tendo Achillis due to a sword wound wherein at the end of four months recovery was complete. Division of this tendon in brood mares has been practiced by the early settlers of parts of the United States for the purpose of preventing their straying too far from home. In such instances one leg only was so mutilated and in most instances, it is reported that spontaneous recovery took place.
In unilateral involvement without complications, the prognosis is not unfavorable if provisions for giving necessary attention are available.
Treatment.—The subject is to be confined in a sling and the member bandaged and supported by means of leather splints. Immobilization as for fracture is not necessary but, nevertheless, movement is to be restricted as much as possible. In case of open wounds, the exposed tissues are cared for along general surgical lines. Where the divided parts of the tendon are maintained in fairly close and constant relation, granulation of tissue, sufficient to sustain weight takes place in from six weeks to three months.
Spring-Halt. (String-Halt.)
Occurrence.—This condition is a myoclonic affection of the hind leg which is discussed in works on theory and practice under the head of neuroses, but the cause or causes have not been established. Theories that heredity is responsible have their supporters and advocates of hypotheses attributing it to disease of the sciatic nerve, patellar subluxation, fascial contraction of various muscles, "dry spavin" (tarsal arthritis), iliac exostoses, disease of the foot and contraction of the hoof, are on record in veterinary literature. This ailment affects old horses more frequently than it does young and is seen in all breeds of animals including mules.