FRACTURES. 183 



in running away. As a general thing, fracture of the 

 humerus is incurable on account of the powerful muscles 

 attached to it, and which pull the fractured ends out of 

 place in spite of any appliance that can be used. Even 

 where it is a simple fracture, treatment is rarely attended 

 with success, and then only in a young animal. 



Symptoms. — The fractured ends of the bone are drawn 

 past each other ; the limb is shortened, and the animal is 

 unable to place any weight upon it ; the patient manifests 

 great pain ; crepitus may, or may not, be well marked. 

 Fracture of the external tuberosity on the shaft of the 

 humerus sometimes occurs ; the symptoms are slight pain, 

 swelling, etc. If not removed, necrosis will finally occur, 

 in which case it becomes necessary to make an opening 

 with a knife, and, having found the detached or necrosed 

 portion of bone, it is to be removed. Touch with hydro- 

 chloric acid, etc. 



Elbow. — Fracture of the humerus or radius, but more 

 frequently of the ulna, may occur, extending into the 

 elbow-joint. It is most commonly met with among dogs, 

 but occurs among other animals ; in horses it may be due 

 to inordinate muscular contraction, is also sometimes caused 

 by kicks, blows, falls, runaways, etc. 



Symptoms. — This fracture is very hard to diagnose, and 

 it is almost, if not quite, impossible to state the exact con- 

 dition of the injured part. The animal is scarcely able to 

 bear the slightest weight upon the limb ; as soon as he does 

 so he dro233 half-way to the ground ; there is considerable 

 swelling, much pain, and in some cases well-marked con- 

 stitutional symptoms ; there is great difficulty in moving, 

 and he stands with the leg in a semi-flexed position. Soon 

 extensive swelling and inflammation follow. The mode 

 of diagnosis of this fracture recommended by Mr. Anderson, 

 of Glasgow, is excellent; the only objection being the 



