182 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



present ; considerable swelling takes place externally and 

 internall3^ 



Treatiaent. — As stated before, treatment is generally use- 

 less. If the animal be valuable, it may be treated, and a 

 partial cure in some cases effected. Place in slings, use 

 fomentations, anodyne applications, charges, plasters, etc., 

 and exercise patience. In any of the above fractures, if 

 the patient has a quick and weak pulse, coldness of the 

 extremities, the mucous membranes blanched, etc., accom- 

 panied by considerable pain, it indicates that some of the 

 blood-vessels are injured, internal haemorrhage occurring, 

 and death usually ensues. 



Scapula.— The tubercle on the spine of the scapula some- 

 times becomes fractured. This fracture is usually caused 

 by an injury, as external violence of any kind, as kicks, etc., 

 but it is never caused by muscular contraction. Xecrosis 

 is the usual result of this fracture, and is manifested in the 

 usual way by suppuration, etc. 



Treatment. — Cut down upon and remove any detached, or 

 diseased portions of bone that may be found. 



Fracture through the neck of the scapula sometimes 

 occurs, and may be caused in a variety of ways. 



Symptoms. — The animal can scarcely move the limb. In 

 some cases crepitus can be detected, swelling takes place, 

 considerable pain is manifested, etc. 



Treatment. ~li the fracture be of the variety known as 

 simple, it can be cured ; but it will take a long time, and 

 will be a great deal of trouble. The animal is to be placed 

 in slings, and kept perfectly quiet. If the fracture extends 

 into the articulation, the case is usually hopeless ; the only 

 chance being the exudation of material to cover it up. 

 Necrosis of the scapula also occurs sometimes. 



Humerus. — Fracture of the humerus is caused by falls, 

 kicks, and severe injuries, such as are sustained sometimes 



