CHAPTER XVII 



FRACTURE OF THE ORBIT 



Fracture of the orbit takes place usually near the 

 orbital ridge of the frontal bone, though any bone of the 

 orbit is subject to fracture by direct injury or concussion. 



Homed animals receive such injuries by fighting with 

 other animals, or the injury may be self-inflicted while 

 suffering with colic and other severe pain. 



When fracture of the orbital ridge takes place, crepita- 

 tion may be felt while manipulating the parts, or the 

 fractured part may be entirely displaced and deformity 

 result. Fracture of the inner walls of the orbit may 

 result in blindness (amaurosis) of the eye by pressure 

 upon the optic nerve. Celluhtis and abscess of the 

 orbital tissue may follow fractures caused by penetrat- 

 ing wounds. 



Treatment. — Cold applications to prevent or reduce 

 swelling and inflammation. Remove all dirt and foreign 

 substances from the wound and apply antiseptic dress- 

 ings. If an abscess forms, it must be drained externally 

 by opening the wound with an aseptic probe. The wound 

 must be kept open, and this can be done by placing in it 

 a small wick of iodoform gauze, which may be held in 

 place with aseptic absorbent gauze and bandage. 



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