260 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



as possible. Brisk friction or rubbing with a brush over the legs and 

 quarter will tend to relieve stiffness and afford comfort while under 

 restraint. 



A diet composed of bran and roots, with a moderate amount of hay, 

 chaff, and a few crushed oats, is the most suitable, and two table-spoonfuls 

 of linseed- oil incorporated with it three or four times a week will serve 

 to keep the bowels regular. Everything should be done to minister to 

 the comfort of the animal, and time must do the rest. 



FRACTUEE OF THE BONES OF THE HIND EXTREMITY 



Fracture of the Femur. — Notwithstanding the large muscles which 

 everywhere surround and protect the femur, it is sometimes made to yield 

 to the violence which in one form or another is apjDlied to it. The causes 

 which determine fracture of this bone are mostly kicks from other horses, 

 violent struggling while undergoing operations or in endeavouring to 

 escape from some difficult and confined position. It sometimes results 

 from a slip while attempting to start a heavy load. 



The seat and nature of the fracture varies in different cases. Some- 

 times the head is broken off through the neck, at others the diaphysis 

 or shaft is divided in a transverse or oblique direction (fig. 328), or 

 one or both condyles may be separated from the inferior extremity of 

 the body, or the large trochanter broken away from the upper extremity 

 of the bone. The signs of fracture here are not usually difficult to read. 

 Sudden and acute lameness, with inability to bear weight, and difficulty 

 in advancing the limb, are at once manifest. When the animal is made 

 to move, the leg is advanced with an outward swing and displays unnatural 

 mobility. Crepitation is made apparent by passive movement of the broken 

 pieces, first in one direction and then in another. As the animal stands, 

 the quarter sinks into a resting position. 



Reposition or reduction of the fracture is always difficult, mostly im- 

 possible; and when accomplished the size, form, and relations of the thigh 

 oppose the application of appliances to retain the broken fragments in 

 apposition. It will be seen, therefore, that unless great value is set upon 

 an animal for breeding purposes treatment is not likely to prove remu- 

 nerative, and should not be encouraged. 



An unserviceable cripple is with very rare exceptions the only return 

 for much expense and trouble. 



Slinging, pitch plasters over the part, and such quietude as can be 

 procured are the only available if doubtful means of effecting a reunion 

 of the parts. 



