LUXATION OF THE SYMPHYSIS OSSIUM PUBIS. 741 



of the ilia produces pain, and the separation can sometimes be felt 

 through the rectum. 



Complete luxation is characterised by marked depression of the 

 sacrum, and by the anterior edge of the ilium being unusually sharply 

 defined. The swelling and tenderness in the middle line, and the 

 inablity to rise or to stand, render the condition unmistakable. On 

 examination per rectum, the pelvic cavity is felt to be narrowed, 

 both in its perpendicular and transverse diameters. Defalcation 

 is sometimes interfered with, in consequence of compression of the 

 rectum. 



In incomplete dislocation, recovery may occur in three to four 

 weeks, but double-sided dislocations take much longer, and many 

 never reunite. Paraplegia generally sets in on the second or third 

 day. The patient is unable to stand, and if parturient, will require 

 active assistance, because labour pains are generally weak. 



According to Stockfleth, complete luxation is less to be feared, 

 for the animals sometimes recover sufficiently to be useful for dairy 

 purposes, even though, on account of the narrowness of the pelvis, 

 they cannot be bred from. 



Treatment is essentially similar in both conditions. In 

 incomplete luxation, rest is above all else necessary. Where there 

 is difficulty in rising, assistance must be afforded, but the tail should 

 never be used for this purpose ; assistance is also required during 

 parturition. 



Complete luxation also calls for a lengthened rest, and cases 

 always do best if the animals lie continuously. Plenty of straw 

 should be allowed, and help only afforded if the animal attempts 

 to rise. The patient must not be driven for at least two to three 

 months, nor again used for breeding. Complications often occur 

 during recovery, and carry off the animals. 



VI.— LUXATION OF THE SYMPHYSIS OSSIUM PUBIS. 



This luxation, almost invariably confined to cattle, is still rarer than 

 the last named. The luxation most commonly appears during or as a 

 sequel to parturition. Golis saw it in connection with luxation of the 

 sacrum. 



An eight- year- old cow, nearly at full term, suddenly became lame 

 during work, and a few hours afterwards could neither rise nor, when lifted, 

 stand on her hind legs. On attempting to move, the inner angle of the 

 ilium on the affected side rose and sank. Displacement of the pubis and 

 ischium at the symphysis could also be felt. The cow was slaughtered, 

 and the post-mortem showed luxation of the sacrum and separation of 

 the bones forming the symphysis pubis. 



