DISEASES OF CATTLE. 925 



after applying a layer of bandage, some of the mixture should be 

 rubbed over this before another layer is applied, and so on ; 

 always keeping the leg as nearly still as possible until the 

 bandage sets. If the felt bandage (which must be bought of a 

 druggist) is used, all that needs to be done with it is to soak it in 

 hot water until it gets soft, and apply it while it is hot, pressing 

 and fitting it to the leg, and then applying a muslin bandage 

 over it, to keep it to its place. 



The bones of young animals unite much better than those 

 of old ones. The bandage should be kept on the leg for two 

 or three months, or even longer if the bones do not unite 

 readily. 



Slings were, and are still, used by many surgeons ; but lately 

 some recommend bandaging the leg, and turning the animal loose 

 in pasture, or in a large stall or shed, as must be done with a 

 cow or colt. 



If the fracture is a compound one, it becomes more serious, 

 but even then treatment is often successful. First replace the 

 bones; and to accomplish this it often becomes necessary to 

 make the flesh-wound larger by cutting near the bones with a 

 knife. When the bones are replaced, the edges of the wound 

 should be brought together and kept together, adhesive plasters, 

 in this case, being better than stitches. Cleanse the wound 

 thoroughly with the carbolic lotion (see Index), and apply splints 

 or bandages, as already recommended, leaving an opening in the 

 bandage over the torn flesh, so the wound can be kept clean and 

 frequently dressed with the carbolic lotion, to keep the matter 

 washed away. Further than this, the treatment is the same as 

 in simple fractures. In almost all cases, especially if in a 

 strong, healthy animal, from five to eight drams of aloes should 

 be dissolved in hot water and given as a drench, when cool, and 

 but a small amount of. food should be allowed for two or 

 three days. 



These directions are applicable to all animals, except that 

 slings are seldom used for cattle ; and in cattle, when the fracture 

 does not unite, the limb may be amputated, and the animal fat- 

 tened for the butcher. Amputation has been performed also 



