ir
thickening, the case is not a desperate one, and may yet be benefited by
the operation of tenotomy, single or double--an operative expedient
which must be committed to the experienced surgeon for its performance.

SPRUNG KNEES.

Though not positively the result of diseases of the tendons acting upon
the knees, we venture to consider this deformity in connection with that
which we have just described. It consists in such an alteration in the
direction and articulation of the bones which form the various carpal
joints that instead of forming a vertical line from the lower end of the
forearm to the cannon bone they are so united that the knee is more or
less bent forward, presenting a condition caused by the retraction of
two of the principal muscles by which the cannon bone is flexed.

_Cause._--This flexion of the knee may be a congenital deformity and
have continued from the foaling of the animal; or, like clubfoot, it may
be the result of heavy labor which the animal has been compelled to
perform when too young. It may also be due to other diseases existing in
parts below the knee joint.

_Symptoms._--This change of direction largely influences the movement of
the animal by detracting from its firmness and practically weakening the
entire frame, even to the extent of rendering him insecure on his feet
and liable to fall. This condition of weakness is sometimes so
pronounced that he is exposed to fall even when standing at rest and
unmolested, the knees being unable even to bear their portion of the
mere weight of the frame. This results in another trouble--that of being
unable to keep permanently upright. He is liable to fall on his knees,
and by this act becomes presently a sufferer from the lesion known by
the term of "broken knees."

_Treatment._--Whatever may be the originating cause of this
imperfection, it detracts very largely from the usefulness and value of
a horse, disqualifying him for ordinary labor and wholly unfitting him
for service under the saddle without jeopardizing the safety of his
rider. If, however, the trouble is known from the start, and is not the
result of congenital deformity or weakness of the knee joint, or
secondary to other diseases, rest, with fortifying frictions, may
sometimes aid in strengthening the joints; and the application of
blisters on the posterior part of the knee, from a short distance above
to a point a little below the joint, may be followed by some
satisfactor