112 MANUAL FOR STABLE SERGEANTS. 



Should the dislocation recur, a rope should be fastened to the 

 pastern and attached to a collar about the animal's neck. The rope 

 should be drawn just tight enough to prevent the animal from ex- 

 tending his leg to the rear but allowing him to stand on it. The 

 rope is kept on until the effect of the blister has passed away. 



FRACTURES. 



394. A fracture is a break in a bone. A fracture may occur 

 in any part of the bony framework. The bones of the limbs, how- 

 ever, are more likely to suffer than those of other paits of the body. 



A simple fracture is one in which the bone is broken into but two 

 parts, the skin remaining unbroken. 



A compound fracture is one in which the broken ends of the bones 

 protrude through the skin. 



A fracture may also be complete or incomplete. An incomplete 

 fracture is one in which the bone is not entirely broken across. 



Causes. Falls, kicks, blows, or any form of mechanical violence. 



395. Fracture of the bones of the limbs. 



Symptoms. Great and suddenly appearing lameness; excessive 

 mobility; crepitation (a crackling or grating sound made by the 

 rubbing together of the broken ends of the bone) ; and inability to 

 bear weight on the injured limb. The animal usually evinces great 

 pain and marked swelling occurs within a few hours. 



Treatment. Complete fractures are usually incurable and the 

 animal should be destroyed to terminate suffering. ^ 



In incomplete fractures, or when such a fracture is suspected, the 

 animal must be relieved from work and kept from lying down for a 

 month, either by being cross-tied or placed in a sling. 



396. Fracture of the lower jaw. This refers to a chipping 

 or splintering of the bone by the bit or the curb chain. 



Causes. Rough handling of severe bits and tight curb chains, 

 and the use of chains or ropes passed through the mouth and around 

 the jaw. 



Symptoms. The animal fights the bit and resists any attempt to 

 handle the mouth. The mucous membrane covering the bone is 

 swollen, hot, and painful, with perhaps a small fragment of bone 

 sticking through it. In many cases the covering of the bone is 

 entirely torn away. Suppuration occurs in a few days and the 

 wound emits a very foul odor. 



