FRACTURES. 185 



Osseous deposits are frequently met with in connection 

 with the knee, due to an ossific diathesis and to in- 

 juries, etc. 



Symptoms. — When the animal is trotted the knee is 

 not flexed as it should be, and on flexing the joint the 

 pad of the heel cannot be made to touch the elbow. It is 

 incurable. 



Fracture of the knee is caused by kicks and falls, con- 

 cussion, slipping, etc., the small bones being often broken 

 into several pieces. As a rule, when fracture occurs as a 

 result of concussion, it is the worst form, and usually 

 occurs when the horse is pla3''ing during frosty weather. 

 If the horse is only an ordinary one destruction should be 

 recommended ; however, if the patient be an animal valu- 

 able for breeding purposes, it is worth while to attempt 

 treatment. 



Symptoms. — There is extensive swelling, and the lameness 

 is very great. The animal shows evidence that he is in 

 extremely great pain. On manipulating the parts the 

 presence of crepitus is detected. Sometimes one bone only 

 is fractured. 



Treatment. — The animal should be given absolute rest so 

 long as it seems necessary. Plaster of Paris, or starch 

 bandages may be applied, and the animal placed in slings. 

 After a few weeks' rest the patient may be gently exercised, 

 in fact exercise is necessary, as in its absence anchylosis is 

 very apt to take place. 



Metacarpals. — Fracture of the large metacarpal bones is 

 easily diagnosed, and, if simple, can as a rule be successfully 

 treated by using splints, bandages, etc., placing the animal 

 in slings, and enjoining perfect rest and quietude. The 

 small metacarpal bones are liable to fracture, and more 

 especially are the apices of these bones subject to fractures 

 from injuries inflicted by the animal upon himself. 



