726 FRACTURES OF THE SACRUM. 



to have recovered, though the descriptions given throw some doubt 

 on the correctness of the observation. But though possible, recovery 

 (in horses) depends on so many circumstances that it can never 

 confidently be anticipated. 



In these cases prevention is better than treatment. Stables 

 should be so constructed that animals cannot injure themselves in 

 rising, and great care must always be taken in casting. The first 

 matter is beyond our province ; but in regard to the second, the 

 following points should be observed : — In casting the larger animals, 

 a soft bed, preferably of straw, is necessary to prevent fractures. 

 The horse should first fall with the chest towards the earth, and 

 whilst lying the head and neck should be kept extended by powerful 

 assistants. As a further precaution, especially in well-bred horses 

 with strongly-developed muscles, Bernardot and Butel's extension 

 apparatus (Fig. 449), may be employed. The head-collar and girth 

 are connected by thick straps, rendering it impossible for the horse 

 to bend the head and neck beyond a certain point. 



Hirzel employs for the same purpose a girth provided with a 

 ring above the animal's back, from which leather straps pass to a 

 strong head-collar. He considers this absolutely prevents any danger 

 of fracture of the vertebrae. 



To prevent side-movements of the spinal column when the horse 

 is cast, a man should seat himself on the quarter, and, with the same 

 object, it is well to place the animal with the quarters at a lower 

 level than the feet. In painful operations like castration, particularly 

 in well-bred horses, chloroform should be used. It is also best to 

 avoid castrating aged race-horses when in hard condition, as muscular 

 power is then at its greatest. 



In suspected fissure of a vertebra, the animal must be kept from 

 work, and prevented lying down for a month by being placed in 

 slings. In commotio medullas spinalis treatment is expectant. The 

 animals should have a comfortable bed, and be turned from time 

 to time to prevent the formation of bedsores, and the catheter should 

 be passed at least twice a day. In simultaneous paralysis of the 

 rectum, the fseces must be periodically removed ; and if the bowels 

 are confined clysters of luke-warm soap and water may be 

 resorted to. 



II.— FRACTURES OF THE SACRAL AND CAUDAL VERTEBRA. 



Fractures of the sacrum are commonest in cows, and are caused 

 by external violence, falling on hard objects, or falling from a height, 

 and in the foetus, by clumsy, violent efforts at assistance during 



