438 DISEASES OF CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, ETC. 



chopped ice poultices is indicated for the first three days. Following 

 this apply a Preissnitz bandage* moderately tight about the joint, 

 which not only conduces to rest, but also favors absorption. Massage 

 later with stimulating liniments, such as soap or camphor. 



If the lameness has not disappeared by the tenth day, the blis- 

 ter advised for the sprain of the shoulder should be applied, and the 

 same precautions observed as to tying the animal's head and subse- 

 quent smearing with vaseline. When a blister is applied in this 

 locality, the back part of the heel should be first filled with lard or 

 vaseline, and care taken to prevent any of the blistering preparation 

 from coming in contact with the skin of that part. If this precaution 

 is not observed, scratches may ensue and prove troublesome. 



SPRAIN OF THE HIP. 



This is likely to result from the animal slipping in such a way 

 as to spread the hind feet wide apart. The patient goes stiff with the 

 hind legs, or lame with one hind leg, walking with a straddling gait 

 and swinging the leg outward as it is carried forward. Tenderness 

 may occasionally be detected on pressure, but owing to the heavy 

 covering of muscles outside of the joint this test is not always 

 reliable. 



In the acute cases, give rest and cold local application. After 

 the fourth or fifth day the blister mentioned for sprain of the shoul- 

 der may be applied with advantage, and if this proves insufficient, 

 we may fire in points over the joint as a last resort. 



SPRAIN OF THE BACK. 



Sprain of the back, particularly in the region of the loins, is not 

 an uncommon accident among cattle. It is likely to occur from the 

 animal slipping with both hind feet sideways so as to twist the back, 

 or the feet slipping violently backward so that great stress is thrown 

 on the loins. The patient moves with difficulty, using the hind parts 

 in a guarded manner as if afraid of causing severe pain. Occasion- 

 ally, if the sprain is severe, the animal will rise with difficulty. Pres- 

 sure on the back in the immediate region of the loins causes pain. 

 Such cases may be mistaken for paralysis, and, in fact, in severe 

 cases, although the nerve supply is not interfered with, the injury to 

 the muscles and resulting pain is so great that the condition is almost 

 equal to paralysis during the early stages of the injury, although 

 likely to be attended with more favorable results. Hot applications, 

 such as blankets wrung out of hot water and changed at short inter- 

 vals, will be likely to afford relief during the earlier stages. After- 

 wards the blister mentioned for sprain of the shoulder may be ap- 

 plied with advantage. 



*A Preissnitz bandage is a dressing which combines the three properties of 

 keeping a part warm, moist, and subjecting it to uniform pressure. It consists of 

 three layers of material. The inner layer is composed of absorbent cotton or some 

 other material which is capable of holding moisture. This is soaked in water and 

 wrapped around the part. The second layer consists of a substance which is 

 impervious to moisture as oiled silk or oiled paper, and is applied about the inner 

 layer to prevent evaporation. The third or outside layer is composed of a flannel 

 or woolen bandage to prevent the radiation of heat and thus keep the moist 

 inner layer at the temperature of the body. 



