FRACTURES 



229 



are prevented from being brought together, or they are pulled away from 

 each other by forcible contraction when this has been effected. 



This is very much the case in fracture of the thigh and the humerus. 



It is more esjDecially in bones below these, and others about the face, 

 that success may be hoped for. 



In the absence of a properly-constructed operating-table, by which a 

 horse can be taken off the ground while in a standing posture and again 



Fig. 3.30. — Fracture of First Rib of Horse (Innor Aspect) 

 1, Showing Fracture. 2, Repair of Fracture. 3, The same in section. A, Fracture. B, B, Callus. 



replaced directly on his feet, the reduction of a fracture in so large and 

 uncontrollable an animal as the horse is in the last degree difficult. 



Without some restraining influence the pain excited by the manipula- 

 tion of the parts is such as to provoke the most violent oppo.sition. To 

 prevent this the animal must either be cast and placed under resti'aint, or 

 his resistance must be overcome by the administration of a powerful seda- 

 tive, or of chloroform or some other anaesthetic. Whichever course is 

 adopted he will rec[uire to be brought to the ground, and after the fracture 

 has been adjusted, to rise again. 



In the one act the damage may be seriously aggravated, and in the 

 other the work of setting may be completely undone. 



In dealing with fracture of the pasterns, canons, and other long bones, 



