180 THE PRACTICE OF. VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



oblique character ; sometimes the slightest slip is sufficient 

 to cause it. 



Symptoms. — There is considerable difficulty in progression, 

 but the animal is in many cases not nearly so lame as 

 might be expected. There is difficulty in bringing forward 

 the limb, and the haunch, by virtue of muscular con- 

 traction, is drawn downwards to a certain extent. Crepitus 

 can be detected on applying the ear and having the limb 

 moved, or by having the horse moved from side to side. 

 Make an examination per rectum, and have the limb moved 

 at the same time. The prognosis is usually favourable, 

 especially if the patient be young and strong, and the con- 

 stitutional symptoms are not very severe. 



Treatment. — Perfect quietude on the part of the animal 

 is essential to success. He may be placed in slings ; fomen- 

 tations should be freel}^ used ; a plaster or charge ma}^ be 

 applied ; a mild dose of laxative medicine may be given if 

 necessary. The food should be of good quality, etc. 



Ischium. — The shaft of the ischium is the portion most 

 liable to fracture, and the fracture generally passes through 

 the foramen ovale. This fracture is also caused by slipping, 

 falling, a false step, etc. 



Symptoms. — There is considerable difficulty manifested in 

 the act of progression. The haunch descends to a certain 

 extent, but not so much as in some of the previously des- 

 cribed fractures. Crepitus is present, and can be detected 

 in the usual way. If the pubis is involved the pain is 

 more severe, and the prognosis not so favourable. 



Fracture through the Symphysis Pubis. — This fracture is 

 usually caused by the leg slipping outward, and is oftenest 

 met with in winter. It is a little more difficult to detect 

 than some of the fractures previously described. 



Symptoms. — The animal has great difficulty in moving 

 the limb. One, or generally both limbs, are turned out to 



