This is comparatively rare. When it does occur it is mostly associated with broken knees, and assumes the form of a compound fracture, complicated with inflammation of the joint and damage to tendons which pass over it.

Fractures here are attended with great pain and suffering and much constitutional disturbance. There is free discharge of synovia or "joint oil", inability to support weight on the affected limb, and considerable swelling. In other than animals of considerable value for stud purposes the result of treatment, however successful it may be, will not be such as to compensate for the time and trouble which these cases demand. The knee invariably suffers irreparable damage, and the animal remains a cripple for the rest of his life.

Where treatment is resorted to, the horse must be placed in slings, and splints and bandages employed to maintain the joint in a state of rest, while at the same time provision should be made in the bandaging for the free discharge of matter from the wound in the knee, which must be treated on antiseptic principles.

Fig. 337. - Iron Splint for Fractures of the Fore-limb.

A, A, Screws for adjusting the length of the Splint.