DISEASES OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 89 



The Tuberosify of the Ischium is fractured. It generally occurs 

 from slipping upon the haunches, or rearing and falling upon the 

 haunches, coming in contact with some obstacle, etc. ; rarely, if ever, 

 from muscular contraction. If but a small portion is detached, re- 

 union is apt to be of a cartilaginous deposit, or necrosis. It is neces- 

 sary to cut in and remove the part, but it is more difficult in this than 

 in some other parts. But unless this is done nothing can be done. 

 Down in the hip is the result of these injuries. 



Fore Extremities. — The cartilage of prolongation occasionally be- 

 comes diseased in fistulous withers. It gives rise to irritation, sinuses, 

 caries, etc. Remove the diseased portion and scrape with a spoon. 

 The scapula is liable to fracture in any part of it. This occurs from 

 violent injury, but it is possible for it to come from violent muscular 

 exertion. The symptoms vary according to the part injured ; easily 

 detected, especially if seen soon after the accident. He cannot move 

 the limb; perhaps goes on three legs, and there is crepitation. If 

 swelling takes place, as it is apt to do, then there will be some difficulty 

 in diagnosing. Crepitation is always conclusive evidence of a fracture. 

 If the swelling is but slight, there may be crepitation. It is not often 

 necessary to have recourse to treatment, unless in a blood mare or 

 stallion — keep quiet, use slings, reduce the irritation by fomentations, 

 etc. The spine is sometimes fractured by a kick, or some hard body ; 

 there is apt to be separation of a small part from the bone. There is 

 discharge of pus of an offensive character, so it is extremely liable to 

 be followed by necrosis. The shoulder joint is liable to caries and 

 exostosis, sometimes from open joint, or severe strains, etc. 



Fracture of the Humwus occasionally occurs, from violent con- 

 cussion, a kick or fall, and may be either simple or compound. If it 

 is simple and it is in a young animal it may be treated, but if it is 

 compound it is not necessary to treat. The animal cannot extend the 

 limb, nor throw any weight upon it ; if oblique one part of the bone 

 passes the other, and there is great swelling. There is crepitation in 

 most cases. 



The Olecranon, or point of the elbow is liable to fracture ; it may 

 occur in various ways, usually from slipping and coming in contact with 

 the ground. If the case is not severe it is difficult to diagnose. There is 

 no crepitation. The joint may be completely detached, and drawn from 

 the body of the bone. We judge from the action of the animal. It bears 

 no weight upon the limb ; stands with the limb in a semi-flexed con- 

 dition. There is considerable swelling. It has been recommended to 

 place your knee against the knee of the injured leg, and by continued 

 pressure straighten the affected limb, and direct an assistant to lift 

 the opposite limb, and if it is fracture the animal will fall. The 

 treatment is not attended with any degree of success, but if attended 

 to immediately reunion may take place. There are also both caries 

 and exostosis in the elbow joint, from strains and punctured wounds. 

 The matter burrows down, causing open joint. The body of the radius 

 is liable to fracture ; this may be produced in the ways I have men- 

 tioned, and if compound or comminuted, it is better to destroy the 

 animal, but if simple it may be treated. Use splints, the lighter the 

 better ; place in slings. A fracture may occur here and be overlooked. 

 If the horse has received a kick puncturing the skin and muscles, he 

 suffers much pain ; cannot throw any weight upon the limb ; the 

 chances are ten to one that fracture has occurred, and the bones not 

 displaced. The animal might move around for some time, lie down, 

 and getting up displace the parts ; therefore, if you have any suspicion 



