186 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



Symptoms. — On trotting much lameness is manifested by 

 the animal. The lameness is excessive, suddenly developed, 

 and remains for some time. The diagnosis is assisted by 

 noticing the animal's action and by manipulation. 



Treatment. — All that is sufficient in any case is to apply 

 any ordinary bandage and keep the patient quiet for some 

 little time. 



Sesamoid Bones. — Fracture of a sesamoid bone is a 

 serious injury, and is most likely to occur from a violent 

 sprain, as in galloping. If the patient be an animal valu- 

 able for breeding purposes, treat the case ; if not a valuable 

 animal, it is best to advise destruction. If the bone be 

 fractured and displaced, the case may generally be regarded 

 as hopeless. 



Os Suffraginis. — Fracture of this bone occurs usually 

 from concussion, and very rarely from direct injury. This 

 bone suffers fracture oftener probably than any other bone 

 in the body. It may occur very simply, as by an animal 

 whilst galloping, stepping on a stone or some little in- 

 equality of ground, suddenly falters, and on an examination 

 it is found that the os suffraginis is fractured. It is a very 

 common accident among racehorses and hunters, and in 

 England in particular. 



Symptoms. — There is lameness to a greater or less extent. 

 The animal can scarcely throw any weight upon the limb. 

 Generally crepitation can be heard, but longitudinal, trans- 

 verse, or oblique fracture may exist without crepitus 

 being discoverable. In undertaking a case the practitioner 

 should take into consideration the age of the animal, and 

 whether it will be able to do its work after recovery. 



Treatment. — Place the bones in position, apply bandages 

 or splints, use j^laster of Paris casts, place in slings, etc. If 

 the fracture is near the lower end of the bone, anchylosis 

 of the pastern-joint is likely to occur. 



