FRACTURE OF THE FRONTAL BONE. 379 



They are recognised by the animal's resistance to manipulation of 

 the parts, by abnormal mobility of the horn, and swelling, or even 

 crepitation. Where blood has entered the frontal sinus there is 

 often blood-stained or (in cases of longer standing) purulent 

 discharge from the nose ; in empyema of the frontal sinus the head 

 is often held lower on the affected side. 



The course is generally favourable ; union goes on regularly 

 in subcutaneous and often in complicated cases, especially if 

 antiseptic treatment is early applied. In neglected and bad cases 

 it is often advisable to remove the horn core entirely. In cows 

 grave consequences are sometimes observed. Textor describes the 

 occurrence of epileptiform seizures, which, however, disappeared 

 when the sanguineo-purulent contents of the frontal sinus had 

 been removed. After such fracture, a bull was unable to cover 

 cows ; erections occurred, but the animal, when attempting to 

 spring, fell towards the diseased side, and was useless for stud 

 purposes. In compound fractures pus formation may involve the 

 brain, and bring about death from meningitis. 



Treatment in subcutaneous fractures requires fixation of the 

 horn core, which may be effected by a suitable splint passed over 

 both horns, and secured by bandages (Fig. 335). Skin injuries must 

 be previously disinfected. The animal is tied up so that the horn 

 cannot be displaced. When the horn is but slightly loosened it is 

 often sufficient to pass a bandage in a figure of eight tightly round 

 both horns. Oblique fractures are often sufficiently kept in place 

 by the horn itself, and the application of a tar bandage is quite 

 sufficient. Where the core is so completely separated that union 

 is not probable, it should be removed with the saw, and a dressing 

 applied. 



Fractures of those portions of the bone which cover the brain 

 are often attended with injury to the mucous membrane of the 

 frontal sinus, and are indicated by swelling, depression on the 

 forehead, a nasal discharge, at first blood-stained, and later purulent. 

 These fractures, although usually healing without disturbance, are 

 sometimes followed by chronic purulent disease of the frontal 

 sinus. When the fracture remains subcutaneous, and no blood is 

 discharged from the nose, recovery occurs without trouble. 



Compound fractures are treated antiseptically ; any cutaneous 

 injury requires complete asepsis ; where the mucous membrane of 

 the frontal sinus is injured, as indicated by blood-stained discharge, 

 complete asepsis is more difficult. But even here healing may be 

 effected, and often before this is complete the animals may be 



