With the execution of a good surgical technic, the ruptured tendon might be sutured; the wound of the tendon sheath as well as that of the skin carefully united by means of gut sutures, the leg bandaged and immobilized with leather splints and recovery follow in a reasonable percentage of cases so treated. These cases afford an opportunity for the perfection of practical means of treatment by those who frequently meet with this affection. Rupture of the Flexor Tendons and Suspensory Ligament. Etiology and Occurrence.--Rupture of the flexor tendons or of the suspensory ligament is of rare occurrence. Frequently, these structures are divided as the result of wounds; but rupture, due to strain, is not frequent. [Illustration: Fig. 26--Extreme dorsal flexion said to have resulted from an attack of distemper. From Amer. J'n'l. Vet. Med., Vol. XI, No. 4.] In some cases in running horses, or in animals that are put to strenuous performances, such as are jumpers, rupture of tendons or of the suspensory ligament takes place. However, more frequently this follows certain debilitating diseases such as influenza or local infectious inflammation of the parts which results in degenerative changes and rupture follows. The non-elastic suspensory ligament receives some heavy strains during certain attitudes which are taken by horses in hurdle jumping as is explained in detail by Montane and Bourdelle[26] under the description of this ligament. But in spite of the frequent and unusually heavy strains, which these structures receive, complete rupture is not frequently seen. Symptomatology.--When the anatomy and function of the flexor tendons and suspensory ligament is thoroughly understood, recognition of rupture of either of these structures is easily recognized. When one considers that in rupture, a position directly opposite to that which is seen in contraction in either one of these structures, is assumed, a detailed description of each separate condition is needless repetition. However, it is pertinent to suggest that rupture of the deep flexor tendon (perforans) allows a turning up of the toe. Whether it be torn loose from its point of attachment or ruptured at some point proximal thereto, the position is the same--heel flat on the ground, toe slightly raised and this raising of the toe varies in degree as the subject moves about. When the superficial flexor (perforatus) is ruptured there is no change in the position of the foot but the fetlock joint is slightly lowered. The pathognomonic symptom is the lax tendon during weight bearing, which may be felt by palpation of the tendon along its course in the metacarpal region.