880 WOUNDS AMI INJURIES TO THE SKULL. 



returned to work. Severe dislocation inwardly may be remedied 

 by the use of the bone elevator, or by trephining. Other symptoms 

 are treated according to general principles. 



(t.) LOOSENING OF THE HORNS. 



Loss of one or both horns occurs under similar circumstances 

 to fracture of the horn core. Sometimes the connection between 

 horn and horn core is only loosened, or the sheath is fissured. 

 Sometimes the horn, although completely divided from the core, 

 can be replaced, but the new horn never attains the natural form, 

 and a blemish results. Loss of the horn is accompanied by profuse 

 bleeding, but otherwise scarcely exercises any other visibly injurious 

 effect. Where the horn is loosened, its exterior is thoroughly 

 cleansed, dressed with an antiseptic and protected with a bandage 

 smeared with tar. If completely loosened, the horn is removed, 

 and similar treatment is applied to the horn core. 



Fissure of the horn sheath arises from blows or bruises caused by 

 attendants or other animals, or it may be self-inflicted. The fissure 

 resembles sandcrack of the horse's hoof. If may be superficial or 

 deep, bleeding, or suppurating, sometimes involving the covering 

 of the core or even the bony process. Treatment is directed to 

 arresting bleeding and suppuration, by applying antiseptic 

 astringents. A solution of gelatine (5 per cent.) forms an excellent 

 haemostatic ; and iodoform-tannin is very useful as a dressing in 

 simple cases of horn fissure. 



(5.) WOUNDS AND INJURIES TO THE SKULL. 



Wounds and injuries, unaccompanied by fracture, require no 

 special treatment. Concussion may be produced by severe shocks, 

 and is recognised by deafness, uncontrollable movements, and 

 staggering. During phrenitis, horses sometimes injure the head, 

 and it may be difficult to determine whether the brain affection 

 or the injury stands first in order. In the horse, the skin carrying 

 the forelock is sometimes extensively torn by sudden awkward 

 movements of the head against fixed objects, and union is often 

 difficult. Where primary union cannot be effected, the divided 

 flap contracts, causing a blemish and depreciation of value. The 

 injury is very common in pit ponies which work in low seams and 

 without some special protective cap. In such cases the flap may 



