378 



FRACTURES OF THE HORN CORE. 



fragments or extravasated blood pressing on the eye and producing 

 exophthalmos. Swelling of the orbit may, moreover, extend to the 

 optic nerve, and through its atrophy produce blindness. Some- 

 times the lower jaw is also endangered. 



The guides to diagnosis are the displacement of the fractured 

 process, the position and extent of the swelling, and the appearance 



Pig. 334. — Splint for fracture of horn core. 



of the connective tissue of the eye, but where there is much swelling 

 diagnosis may be doubtful. 



Treatment. Subcutaneous fractures of the orbital process, 

 without marked dislocation, only require cold applications to 

 minimise bleeding, and consequent danger to the eye. The animal 

 should receive no food during the first twenty-four hours, for 



Fig. 335.— Form of above splint. 



masticatory movements are not only painful but produce bleeding. 

 Complete resection of the orbital process is not difficult, and in cases 

 of compound fracture may become necessary. Any considerable 

 displacement should be rectified, if needful, with the help of the 

 bone elevator. Hendrickx recommends trephining. Antiseptic 

 measures must be adopted from the outset, non-irritant fluids being 

 selected. A bandage is then applied. 



Fractures of the horn core are not uncommon in ruminants. 



