It is probably due to an irritation of the nerves of the thigh

It is probably due to an irritation of the nerves of the thigh

It is probably due to an irritation of the nerves of the thigh

Spasm of the thigh, or cramp of a hind limb. This is frequently witnessed in horses that stand on sloping plank floors generally in cold weather or it may come on soon after severe exercise. It is probably due to an irritation of the nerves of the thigh. In cramps of the hind leg the limb becomes perfectly rigid, and attempts to flex are unsuccessful; the animal stands on the affected limb, but is unable to move it; it is unnaturally cold; it does not, however, appear to cause much suffering unless attempts are made to change position. This cramp may be of short duration a few minutes or it may persist for several days. This condition is often taken for a dislocation of the stifle joint. In the latter the foot is extended backward, and the horse is unable to advance it, but drags the limb. An examination of the joint also reveals a change in form. Spasms may affect the eyelids, by closure or by retraction. Spasm of the sterno-maxillaris muscle has been witnessed, and the animal was unable to close the jaws until the muscle became relaxed.