50 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 



When the fracture is either through, or in front of, the cotyloid 

 cavity the action of the hip and stifle joints is affected, owing to the 

 attachments of the rectus femoris and tensor vaginae femoris muscles 

 to the innominate bone. In fractures through the ischio-pubic sym- 

 physis, or parallel to it, the limb is held in a position of abduction, 

 for it will be remembered that the muscles which adduct the limb are 

 attached to the inferior surface of these bones. 



The most serious fractures of the innominate bone are those in 

 which the cotyloid cavity is involved. Here the different segments meet 

 and are ossified to one another, and when fracture occurs it is usually 

 comminuted. Another very serious fracture occurs through the shaft 

 of the ilium immediately in front of the acetabulum. These cases are 

 usually incurable, so that slaughter is indicated. 



In treating fractured pelvis complete rest should be provided and 

 the patient immediately placed in slings. After a period of about six 

 weeks the slings should be let down so that the weight of the body may 

 be borne by the limbs. But the slings should not be removed, otherwise 

 the animal is very likely to fall and a recurrence of the fracture take 

 place. Should the limbs be incapable of supporting the weight of the 

 body, the slings should be again tightened and kept so for a period ot 

 two or three weeks longer. If the animal stands without difficulty he 

 should be caused to move from side to side frequently, in order that he 

 may become accustomed to the free use of the limbs before the slings 

 are removed. These precautions, to be taken before the patient is allowed 

 complete freedom, are of considerable importance. 



Through such prolonged inactivity the muscles of the part will rapidly 

 atrophy unless some artificial assistance to their circulatory apparatus is 

 afforded. This may be provided by frequently kneading and massaging the 

 parts, and in the later stages by the application of a mild counter-irritant. 



A pitch plaster or charge applied to the quarter is frequently of 

 great use in supporting the parts and maintaining fractured pieces 

 of bone in position after replacement. 



