THE FIBULA 65 



It will be evident that such tracing is impossible on the outer aspect, owing 

 to the amount of muscular tissue clothing the bone. In these latter cases 

 the fracture can only be suspected. 



From what we have said it will be readily gathered that a rational 

 method of procedure in treating the case is to place the animal in slings 

 immediately, and this applies to cases of complete or partial fracture. It 

 is also applicable to cases where fracture is merely suspected. If dis- 

 placement has already occurred, the fractured bones should be replaced, 

 and a plaster bandage applied to keep them in position. Should the 

 fracture be compound, an aperture should be made in the bandage to 

 permit of the subsequent dressing of the wound with antiseptics. The 

 immediate slinging of the animal in cases of complete fracture without 

 displacement may be the means of preventing displacement, whilst, 

 accepting the theory that the fracture may be incomplete and that the 

 bone is only fissured, it may prevent the completion of the fracture. In 

 cases of simple fracture or fissure so placed in slings recovery frequently 

 occurs in from three to four weeks. 



Another method of treatment is to apply the iron splint designed by 

 Bourgelat, which " extends from the ground (inserted into a square hole 

 in a projection at the toe of the shoe) up the front of the limb, as high 

 as the stifle, where it forms two expanded branches, one for each side 

 of this joint. Two clips at its lower part and middle (movable) enclose 

 the fetlock and hock, and there are slots to fasten it to the limb." * 



THE FIBULA 



A peculiar feature in connection with this bone in the horse is its 

 small size as compared with the other bone of the leg, namely, the tibia. 

 It possesses a head and a slender tapering body. 



The head is placed superiorly, and is the thickest part of the 



* Fleming. 



I 



