178 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



or more of the superior spinous processes, the detached 

 portions of bone should be cut down upon and removed, 

 and if the bone is found to be diseased it should be touched 

 with dilute hydrochloric acid ; if the bodies of the vertebrae 

 are fractured, as a rule, nothing can be done. 



Sacrum: Fracture of the Transverse Processes. — Fracture 

 of the transverse processes of the sacrum is caused by slip- 

 ping, etc. The animal may start a little quicker than 

 usual and cause this fracture. Muscular contraction will 

 also cause it, and sometimes such a simple thing as the 

 animal placing his foot upon a stone or slight inequality of 

 ground is sufficient. 



SymiAoms. — There is difficulty in moving. Before very 

 long it is observed that the haunch falls to a certain extent. 

 There is no well-marked crepitus in connection with this 

 fracture, for obvious reasons. If the parts swell very much, 

 and the constitutional symptoms are manifested in a severe 

 form, the prognosis should be unfavourable ; if no constitu- 

 tional symptoms of a severe character are manifested, the 

 prognosis may be favourable, and the probabilities are that 

 a cure can be effected in the course of two or three months. 

 In some cases, after a cure is accomplished, the action of the 

 animal may be impaired for life. However, in many cases, 

 if treated properly and cured, the action will be as good as 

 ever it was. 



Ilium. ^ — Fracture of the supero-anterior spine of the 

 ilium is one of the most common accidents of horse-flesh. 

 It is usually caused by the animal running through a door- 

 way, or other narrow place, and striking the part against 

 the door-frame. It may also be caused by a fall, kick, etc. 

 This injury is one not attended with serious results, and is 

 manifested by swelling, slight difficulty in progression, and 

 after recovery is complete the part presents a slightly 

 sunken appearance. 



