[Illustration:  Fig. 22—­A chronic case of contraction of both flexor tendons of the phalanges.  In this case (presented at a clinic of the Kansas City Veterinary College) because of long continued contraction of the flexors, which prevented weight being supported with any degree of comfort, there resulted a partial paralysis of the extensors, and consequently the extremity was dragged on the ground.]

Course and Complications.—­This condition may exist for years without causing the subject any serious inconvenience, if the affected animal is kept at suitable work.  In other instances recurrent attacks of lameness are of such frequent occurrence that the subject is not fit for service.  Many affected animals that are kept in service in spite of lameness (and in some instances where no lameness is present), soon become unserviceable because of contraction of the inflamed tendon.  This, in fact, is the condition which eventually becomes established in most instances.

Treatment.—­Where conformation is not too faulty so that recovery may be expected, good results are obtained by line-firing the tendons and allowing the subject a few months’ rest.  In some cases median neurectomy is advisable.  This is recommended by Breton[25] as being productive of good results even where contraction of tendons exists and tenotomy is done.

[Illustration:  Fig. 23—­Contraction of the superficial and deep flexor tendons (perforatus and perforans) of the left fore leg.]

By shoeing with high heel-calks considerable strain is taken from the inflamed tendons because of the changed position of the foot which alters the distribution of weight on different parts of the leg.  Rubber pads materially diminish concussion and should be made use of when the subject is returned to work, if the character of the work is such as to occasion much concussion.

It is to be remembered, however, that in sprains there occurs fibrillary fracture of soft structures and time is required for regeneration of tissue which has been injured or destroyed.  Absolute rest is necessary where inflammation is acute and in sub-acute or chronic tendinitis avoidance of all work which causes irritation to the affected tendons is imperative.

[Illustration:  Fig. 24—­Contraction of superficial digital flexor and slight contraction of deep flexor tendon.]

Where contraction of tendons exists surgical treatment is necessary.  No good comes from appliances which are calculated to stretch the affected tendons; in fact, they aggravate the inflamed condition and hasten complete loss of function of the affected member.  Where there exists no articular or ligamentous diseases which would defeat the purpose, tenotomy is the only remedy for contracted tendons.

Contracted Tendons of Foals.

Etiology and Occurrence.—­This condition is occasionally observed and no positive explanation of the reason for its existence can be given.  That mal-position en utero causes the metacarpal bones to develop in length so rapidly that the tendons are too short, is an explanation that is offered.  Be that as it may, in breeding sections of the country the general practitioner is obliged to handle these cases and successful methods of treatment are essential even though cause is not removable.