TREATMENT OF FRACTURES OF THE PHALANGES. 871 



Fracture of the os pedis is less dangerous, because the parts are 

 held in position by the hoof. Kecovery chiefly depends on whether 

 the other foot endures the strain of continued standing without 

 suffering from laminitis. The prognosis is therefore ruled by the 

 degree of pain. In Wiistefeld's case the hoof became enlarged from 

 pressure exerted by the displaced fragments. 



Compound fractures of the os pedis or navicular, caused, for 

 example, by picked-up nails, are generally incurable, on account 

 of the impossibility of securing asepsis, though, when the case is 

 quite recent, and disinfection thorough, healing sometimes occurs 

 within a reasonable time. 



The treatment of fractures of the phalanges consists principally 

 in perfect rest and the use of slings. In fissures of the os suffraginis 

 a well-fitting linen bandage is generally sufficient if the horse be 

 slung, though when a plaster bandage is applied, slinging may be 

 unnecessary. Plaster bandages should extend well above the 

 fetlock and as far down as the hoof in order to limit movement of 

 the limb. Considerable care is required in padding the limb previous 

 to applying the bandage itself, otherwise troublesome sores may 

 form. Stolz saw complete union of fracture of the os suffraginis 

 follow the employment of his ointment dressing (see " Fractures 

 of the Metacarpus "). Cold-water applications are usually of little 

 value, and have the positive disadvantage of softening the skin and 

 favouring excoriation by the bandage. 



Fractures of the os corona? are similarly treated, but, as bandaging 

 is here of less value, one is often confined to merely resting the 

 animal. Excessive pain may be reduced by cold baths or appli- 

 cations. Stripping the sole, formerly practised in such cases in 

 France, is to be carefully avoided, as inflammation and suppuration 

 are thereby greatly favoured. 



The lameness which sometimes follows fracture of the phalanges 

 may be removed by neurectomy of the median and external plantar 

 nerves, and the animal thus rendered useful for a time. 



In slinging animals in the above and other conditions, the following 

 points should be borne in mind. The slings serve principally to 

 prevent the animal lying down and temporarily to support it in 

 painful conditions like lameness ; but as in severe lameness of one 

 limb the opposite limb is continuously loaded, laminitis, or sinking 

 of the fetlock, unfortunately sometimes occurs, and it is therefore 

 better when the animals are in good condition, and able to lie down 

 without danger to the injured part, to favour this by giving plenty 

 of straw and abstaining from the use of slings. Many practitioners 



